A recent study has highlighted the top 10 hotspots for drink-driving offences in the UK, revealing that police forces across the country have made tens of thousands of arrests over the past three years.
Drink-driving remains a serious offence, significantly impairing reaction times and increasing the likelihood of accidents. Data from law firm Legal Expert, obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, found that UK police recorded 100,578 drink-driving offences between December 2021 and November 2024—33,000 of which occurred in the past year alone.
London Tops the List of Offenders
The study found that London had the highest number of drink-driving offences, with a staggering 12,688 arrests over the three-year period—over 3,000 more than any other region. Despite the capital having a relatively low proportion of drink-driving casualties (2.5% of all cases in the UK), its large population means that a significant number of drivers continue to take risks while over the legal alcohol limit.
Northern Ireland and West Midlands Also High on the List
Northern Ireland ranked second on the list, with 9,413 recorded offences resulting in arrests. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), drivers aged 31-49 were the most common offenders, with men making up 81% of those caught.
The West Midlands followed closely behind, with 7,270 recorded arrests. Unlike Northern Ireland, the majority of offenders in this region were younger, with those aged 20-29 most frequently caught drink-driving. Male drivers made up 85% of all offenders.
Top 10 Drink-Driving Hotspots (2021-2024)
1.London – 12,688 cases
2. Northern Ireland – 9,413 cases
3.West Midlands – 7,270 cases
4.West Yorkshire – 7,254 cases
5.Essex – 4,623 cases
6.South Wales – 3,333 cases
7. South Yorkshire – 3,201 cases
8.Surrey – 3,007 cases
9.Sussex – 2,887 cases
10. Avon and Somerset – 2,003 cases
With drink-driving remaining a persistent issue across the UK, authorities continue to emphasize the dangers of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
