CREWE has been named the drink drive capital of the UK, new research claims.

Insurance comparing website MoneySuperMarket revealed the postcodes with the highest rate of drivers with drink or drug-driving convictions on their car insurance policies.

The analysis looked at 11 million car insurance quotes run over the last 12 months, based on claims history provided in MoneySuperMarket quotes from 1 October 2014 to 30 September 2015.

As part of the quotation process, motorists were asked to disclose five years of convictions history.

The analysis revealed that Crewe is home to the highest proportion of motorists with drink or drug-driving convictions this year, topping the chart with a rate of 1.74 per 1,000 drivers.

Kevin Pratt, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “For the vast majority, drink and drug-driving has long been socially unacceptable but a minority is still getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

“It might be the case that people who would never dream of driving home under the influence, are being convicted when they think they are sober.

“For example, someone who has a few drinks at a Christmas lunch and then takes the train home might think they’re fine to drive home from the station when, in fact, they are still over the limit.”

With the festive season now upon us, Mr Pratt advised revellers to plan their journey home in advance when heading out.

“The same applies if you’re driving the morning after a heavy session,” he said. “It’s highly likely you could still fail a breathalyser test.

“There are serious consequences for those caught for drink or drug-driving, including up to six months’ jail time, a driving ban of at least a year and a fine of up to £5,000.

“Even after a punishment has been served, a conviction 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.”

Mr Pratt added that if you’re in any doubt you may be over the limit – don’t drive.

He said: “Feeling hungover? Don’t drive. The temporary inconvenience you might suffer by not driving is far better than the life-changing upheaval that follows a conviction.”

However, while convictions remain troublingly high, Crewe is roughly 12 per cent below last year’s highest figure, which stood at 1.98 per 1,000 for the Welsh town of Llandrindod Wells.

Welsh postcodes feature in four out of the top five postcodes.

The MoneySuperMarket analysis also revealed that London postcodes dominate the list of those with the lowest rate of drivers with drink or drug driving conviction.