POLICE figures reveal the majority of drivers across the West Mercia force area do not get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.

During a month-long campaign by Warwickshire and West Mercia Police, 2,237 roadside breath tests and 169 drug tests were conducted.

Statistics show 136 people were caught drink driving or refused a breath test in West Mercia, while 82 people failed the test in Warwickshire.

Meanwhile, 93 drivers in West Mercia and eight in Warwickshire tested positive for drugs.

Inspector Gareth Morgan, for Warwickshire and West Mercia Police, said: "It’s encouraging that the majority of drivers would never think of risking driving after drinking alcohol and the message appears to be getting through.

"However, there are still irresponsible drivers thinking they can risk it, ignoring the devastating consequences that this can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users.

"I welcome that we now have both the testing ability and legislation in place to tackle those people who drive under the influence of drugs.

"We continue to use an intelligence led approach to remove these motorists from the road.

"Enforcing the drink and drug drive law is a year round commitment for both Forces and this remains a priority for us throughout 2016 and beyond."

The campaign was run by forces across the country this summer, and national figures show more than 4,500 people were caught drink driving.

A further 1,028 people were caught driving whilst under the influence of drugs.

Gary Rae, director of communications and campaigns at road safety charity Brake, said: "The latest national figures from the police show worrying signs, with a large drop in the amount of people being tested but an increase in those who tested positive, failed or refusing the test.

"With traffic police numbers on the decline, it’s leaving those who enforce the law with very little resources to catch those who do break the law and despite the police claims of a successful targeted strategy, the degree to which this is actually the case is impossible to know.

"We’re calling on the government to make traffic policing a priority to ensure we have a suitably strong deterrent against unacceptable behaviour on the road.

"Not only to tackle those who drink or drug drive, but to crackdown on any road user who breaks the law."