FIGURES revealing the number of people in West Mercia to either refuse a test or tested positive for drink and drug driving has decreased.

As national drink drive figures are released, local figures show just 3.2 per cent of the 128 people tested by West Mercia Police in December to fail the breathalyser test.

This compares to 3.3 per cent of those tested throughout the region during the same period in 2013 and 4 per cent in December 2012.

Figures have also been released that show, over the past three years, 110 people were killed or seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.

The police also reported that an additional 469 people suffered slight injuries.

Superintendent Lee Davenport said: “Although the drop isn’t big, it’s encouraging that the percentage of motorists testing positive is decreasing, showing that the message is getting through.

“However, despite our many warnings over the festive period and throughout the year there are still far too many irresponsible drivers thinking they can risk drinking and driving, ignoring the devastating consequences that this can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users.

“Enforcing the drink driving law is a year round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week activity for West Mercia Police and will continue to be a priority throughout 2015.”

Posters, beermats and other material was targeted at local pubs and clubs throughout the region, designed to make people think about the consequences of drink or drug.

Additional advertising also took place on local radio, mobile ad vans and on the back of local buses.

The advertising campaign supported the national month long winter drink drive enforcement campaign that was launched on December 1 by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).