Police in Staffordshire were left stunned after a driver provided a roadside breathalyser reading that was a staggering fifteen times the legal drink-drive limit.
Record-Breaking and Dangerous Reading
The motorist blew an astonishing 535 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit in England is just 35 micrograms, making this one of the most extreme cases ever encountered by officers. Experts state that such a high level of intoxication could render most people unconscious, raising serious questions about how the individual was even capable of operating a vehicle.
This alarming incident represents the highest single reading recorded by any English police force across the last three December periods, according to data analysis. The figures were compiled by the motoring firm Cinch, which examined police records from December 2022, 2023, and 2024.
A Persistent Festive Problem
The data reveals a worrying broader trend on Midlands roads during the Christmas season. Over the last three Decembers, approximately one in ten drivers stopped and tested by police were found to be over the legal alcohol limit.
This suggests that despite repeated public warnings and safety campaigns, drink-driving remains a persistent and dangerous problem during the festive period. The findings have prompted a strong response from local authorities.
Police Crackdown and Expert Warnings
In response to these statistics, police forces across the West Midlands and Staffordshire are ramping up their roadside presence. Officers are conducting a high volume of stops as part of their annual Christmas and New Year crackdown, aiming to deter and catch intoxicated motorists.
Ben Welham, motoring editor at Cinch, commented on the findings. He noted that while enforcement is high, the number of drivers caught at such extreme levels remains concerning. Welham suggested that simpler messaging or a move towards zero-tolerance policies, akin to those in Scotland or parts of Europe, might be needed to further reduce risks on UK roads.
Authorities are reminding all motorists that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving ability and that the only safe choice is to avoid alcohol completely if you plan to drive. With increased patrols active, those caught over the limit face a mandatory driving ban and a potential prison sentence.
