Hundreds of under-25s are being caught drink-driving

The data released by West Midlands Police showed officers have stopped 291 drivers suspected of being intoxicated across Sandwell over the past two years.

But police only pulled over 30 motorists in Dudley over the same time period and have not arrested any under 25s for drink-driving in the town since last March.

The figures, obtained from a Freedom of Information request, disclosed a total of 492 drink-driving offences have been committed by under 25s across the Black Country since 2015.

Inspector Richard Gathergood, from the central motorway police group, said: “It is completely unacceptable to get behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.

"It increases the risk of a collision and such irresponsible actions can put the safety of yourself and other road users at risk of serious injury or even death.

"It is disappointing that some people in society still believe it is acceptable to drink or drug drive; we continue to try and educate people over the dangers of drink driving across West Midlands."

A total of 1,198 drivers under the age of 25 were caught over-the-limit across the West Midlands between July 2015 and this June, the force revealed.

Police recorded 123 drink-driving offences in Wolverhampton, as well as just 48 over-the-limit drivers in Walsall over the 24-month period.

Of the total number of drink-drivers across the West Midlands, 919 were charged by police, while no further action was taken against 232 offenders.

A postal requisition, telling drivers to appear before magistrates' court, was sent out to 33 drivers, the data showed.

Officers are still carrying out investigations into seven investigations, three drivers are currently on police bail and outcomes for a further three are pending.

Inspector Gathergood asked anyone who suspect someone is drink or drug driving should call police or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.