POLICE have claimed the message is getting through to motorists after a campaign to tackle drink and drug driving.

More than 2,500 breath tests were carried out in June across West Mercia and Warwickshire – with six per cent proving positive – and 220 people were arrested.

The initiative - a partnership between the Safer Roads Partnership, Warwickshire Police, West Mercia Police and Warwickshire County Council – has included both awareness-raising schemes and enforcement action.

Campaign material has been distributed to licensed premises across the region while extra roadside checks have been carried out at times of the day and night on all types of road.

The project has also collected crucial data about drink and drug driving.

Official figures reveal 220 people across West Mercia and Warwickshire were arrested in June for driving under the influence of drink or drugs, with 69 of those arrested under the new drug driving legislation.

Meanwhile over the past three years 118 people have been killed or seriously injured as a result of collisions concerning drink or drugs, with 64 per cent of the drivers involved aged 17 to 30.

Anna Higgins, communications manager for the Safer Roads Partnership, said: "A total of 2,564 breath tests were administered throughout June over Warwickshire and West Mercia, showing the commitment both forces have to tackling this problem.

“Further analysis is being done on the data we have collected to see what areas need to be focused on for further campaigns.

“Our message is simple and continues to be don’t drink and drive – it’s not worth the risk.”