THE number of West Midlands motorists who tested positive for drink driving over the festive period was down by more than a third.

Out of the 2,080 drivers that were stopped by West Midlands Police officers throughout December 2014, 225 either failed to provide a sample or were found to be over the legal limit, compared to 363 the previous year.

A total of 163 drivers were charged with drink or drug driving offences across the region − 40 fewer than 2013.

The force also continued its campaign of naming every driver who was charged with drink driving in an effort to make more motorists think about the consequences before getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Inspector Greg Jennings, who led the campaign said: "Our primary aim is to make the roads safer for all and Christmas is always a peak period for us, with so many people out celebrating and perhaps behaving differently to normal.

"It's never acceptable to get behind the wheel when under the influence as motorists pose a serious risk to others on the road, let alone themselves."

He added: "But our work to stop people from drink driving does not stop because the festive period is over.

"Our officers are on patrol 24-7 to make the roads safer and stopping those drivers acting suspiciously or posing a risk to others."