Dear Resident, 

We made more than 270 arrests during our crackdown against drink and drug driving over the festive season.

We carried out a number of operations to keep the roads safe during our annual December campaign.

Our officers were involved in roadside checks and also acted on intelligence around drivers suspected of being under the influence.

This led to 272 arrests for drink or drug driving across the region throughout the whole month.

We're committed to keeping the roads safe, and stopping those who recklessly put the lives of others at risk. Those caught face driving bans, heavy fines or even prison sentences.

Superintendent Gareth Mason, head of roads policing, said: "There can never be an excuse for getting behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.

"There is no safe limit of alcohol and drugs, and in the modern era there are many other options available to plan journeys without breaking the law.

"It's selfish to continue to drive under the influence and puts the lives of others who are innocently on the roads, or pavements, at risk of serious injury or death.

"Unfortunately, far too many people were prepared to ignore our warnings and will now face serious consequences at court.

"We'd rather no-one broke the law but we'll continue to target those who do, as their actions can have devastating and life-changing consequences for others, themselves and their own loved ones too.

"This may have been our festive campaign but it's important to stress we're carrying out activity day in, day out, to keep the West Midlands roads safe."

The Fatal Four - speeding, drink driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a phone while driving - are the main causes of serious collisions on the roads.

Find out more about what we’re doing to keep the region’s roads safe as part of Operation Triton: Operation Triton | West Midlands Police