A new survey of almost six million insurance quotes has found that drivers in Hereford are not learning their lesson after being named the drink and drug-drive capital for the second year running.
The research conducted by comparison website MoneySupermarket found that a total 1.8 in 1000 motorists in Hereford have been convicted after being caught with either alcohol or drugs in their system while driving.
Hereford has taken over the mantle from Crewe as the nation’s drink and drug drive capital, after the Cheshire town was previously the holder of the unwanted title for three years in succession. This year Crewe is only 7th on the list.
North West London is the area with the fewest convictions with an average of just 0.42 drivers per thousand being convicted of the offence.
Rachel Wait, consumer affairs spokesman at MoneySupermarket, said: “It's good to see that the overall convictions for drink and drug driving are dropping.
“This could be a result of increased awareness about the effects of excessive drinking and a greater general focus on health and fitness.
“That being said, the Christmas party season is just around the corner and with that comes an increased chance of people driving while over the limit – often without realising.
“It's not always easy to know when you've stepped over the legal threshold.
“Our research reveals that nearly one in five people know they have driven a car when over limit, either on purpose or by accident - for example, the morning after a night out.”
Top Ten Towns and Cities With Drink and Drug-Drivers
1. Hereford - 1.80 per 1,000 drivers
2. Darlington - 1.69 per 1,000 drivers
3. Llandudno - 1.64 per 1,000 drivers
4. Liverpool - 1.64 per 1,000 drivers
5. Blackpool - 1.56 per 1,000 drivers
6. Newport - 1.52 per 1,000 drivers
7. Crewe - 1.50 per 1,000 drivers
8. Cardiff - 1.46 per 1,000 drivers
9. Chester - 1.44 per 1,000 drivers
10. Telford - 1.41 per 1,000 drivers