Residents warned over risk of drink and drug driving

West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) are taking part in the national police enforcement operation called OpLimit. As part of the campaign, a high-profile Digivan has been travelling across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to raise awareness around drink driving and stopped at a number of licensed premises on the way. In the last three years, 23 people have died and 154 have been seriously injured in collisions across the Three Counties where alcohol has been listed as a contributory factor.

A further 12 people have been killed and 68 seriously injured in collisions where drugs have been involved. Superintendent Steph Brighton said: “It’s extremely frustrating that some motorists inexcusable still drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. “There is no fool proof way of calculating how much you can drink and remain under the limit, or knowing how much an individual can drink and still drive safely.

“Any amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive and there are numerous consequences of driving with alcohol in your system.” There were 156 people arrested in the run-up to Christmas last year for being over the limit whilst getting caught could risk an unlimited fine, losing your licence and a possible prison sentence. PCC John Campion said: “It is a sad fact that too many people die or are seriously injured on our roads.

As set out in my Safer West Mercia Plan, I remain committed to tackling the issue to make our roads safer. “Since 2022, I have made an investment of GBP900,000 into West Mercia Police to make roads safer and I will continue to invest and support campaigns of this kind to make change.” Head of Prevention at HWFRS, Emma Roberts, added: “”We are delighted to support this year’s ‘The Only One for the Road’ campaign.

“Preventing road deaths and serious injuries is one of the Service’s key priorities and working in partnership with West Mercia Police means we can work together to make our roads safer.

A number of local licensed premises across the Three Counties will be promoting ‘The Only One for the Road’ campaign displaying beermats and posters to raise awareness and offering alcohol free options.

Any businesses willing to support the campaign should visit www.wenlockspring.co.uk/home