BROMSGROVE and Redditch residents were among 11 arrested for drink driving by West Mercia Police at the weekend, (February 1 and 2).

Superintendent Kevin Purcell described arresting that number in one weekend as "exceptional", and hopes it will act as warning to motorists that police are enforcing the drink drive law.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, February 1, a 20-year-old was arrested in Byron Way, Catshill. He will appear before Redditch magistrates on Tuesday, February 18, charged with driving with excess alcohol, having no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with the licence.

A 63-year-old Redditch man was arrested on the A491 in Fairfield, Bromsgrove, in the early hours of Sunday morning, (February 2).

He was bailed pending further inquiries.

Also on Sunday morning a 33-year-old Redditch man was arrested on Redditch Road, Hopwood. He was charged with failing to provide a specimen and having no licence, and will appear before Redditch magistrates on February 18.

During the weekend police also arrested for drink driving: a Birmingham man in Hopwood, a Leicestershire man on the M42 near Lickey End, a Gloucestershire man in Hagley, a Kidderminster man in Bewdley, a Kidderminster man in the town, and a 51-year-old of no fixed address on the A38 near Bromsgrove.

In addition, two men from Birmingham and Stourport were also arrested, but no further action was taken against either of them.

Supt Purcell said: “We have arrests for drink driving most weekends, but to arrest 11 in one weekend is exceptional.

“Some of those arrested were breathalysed because they were speeding or driving erratically, while others were stopped during routine checks.

“Those found guilty of drink driving are very likely to lose their licences for at least a year, may lose their jobs if they have to drive for work, will face increased insurance premiums when they regain their licences, and may face problems travelling to certain countries, including the USA.

“This is not about an age of or type of driver, these are people who clearly know the law and try to put themselves above it, risking death or serious injuries to other road users and themselves."

“Following the conclusion of this year’s festive drink-drive campaign, motorists were warned that enforcing the drink driving law is an all year round activity for police.

“We hope the weekend’s arrests drive home that message, and make people think twice about going over the limit.”