RESIDENTS who live within the Crewe area postcode have topped the national list of drink and drug-driving convictions for the second year running.

Insurance comparison company MoneySuperMarket has analysed 9.8 million car insurance quotes over the past 12 months, finding that the CW postcode once again has the highest proportion of motorists with drink or drug-driving convictions.

Despite an overall decline in the number of convictions nationwide for the second year running, drivers within the postcode area have 1.66 convictions per 1,000 drivers. The figure last year was 1.74 convictions.

Drivers who have a drink or drug-driving conviction must declare any convictions over the past five years when applying for insurance, and will typically see their premiums shoot up by around £470 at renewal.

Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Most people rightly view drink and drug-driving as totally unacceptable but our analysis shows a minority are still getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

“This could be because they forget alcohol can stay in the system for a long time after the party is over, leading to their being convicted the following morning when they think they are sober.

“There are serious consequences if you’re caught drink or drug-driving, including a driving ban of at least a year and an unlimited fine, as well as a possible jail sentence. What’s more, an endorsement for drink or drug-driving will sit on your licence for 11 years and you’ll have to declare the offence when you apply for car insurance for five years.

“The message is clear: if you’re in any doubt about your sobriety, don’t drive. The temporary inconvenience you might suffer by not driving is a far better option than the life-changing upheaval that follows a conviction.”

Research found that men aged between 25 and 29 are most likely to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, while 17 to 19-year-olds have just 0.29 convictions per 1,000 drivers.

Click here to see full results of the MoneySuperMarket study.