Drug drive arrests made and vehicles seized as part of police crackdown across North Wales

Patrols carried out by the Roads Policing Unit across the region over the weekend saw a number of arrests made for drug driving and tickets issued to drivers and motorcyclists for a variety of offences.

Police say that between Friday May 11th and Sunday May 12th drug drive arrests were carried out in Wrexham, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Denbigh, Cerrigydrudion and two in Llanfairpwll.

The arrested man from Blaenau Ffestiniog is now awaiting the results of two tests after he was arrested for the same offences a few days previously.

Vehicles were also seized from drivers in Wrexham, Llanddulas and Holyhead for insurance and licence offences.

Operation Darwen patrols also continued throughout the weekend, resulting in several drivers and motorcyclists dealt with for offences including speeding – 40mph and 50mph in a 30mph zone and 90mph and 86mph on the EVO Triangle, seatbelt offences and defective tyres, exhausts and lights.

One vehicle had a defective handbrake and others were issued with tickets for having misrepresented or no number plates.

One driver landed himself in hot water after obstructing a GoSafe van on the A470 in Trawsfynydd on Sunday. Officers were called to assist their GoSafe colleague as the driver had parked his Honda Civic with the boot open in front of the van. As officers arrived the vehicle made off but then later returned. Upon examining the car it was discovered to have defective tyres so he was issued with a TOR (Traffic Offence Report).

Inspector Gareth Jones from the Roads Policing Unit said: “It has been a busy few weeks for the Roads Policing Unit but thankfully, our teams have not dealt with any fatal or serious collisions this weekend.

“We are pleased that many travelled into and around North Wales safely, however, it is disappointing that our officers had cause to issue several tickets to a minority group of motorists who chose to break the law.

“Speeds of up to 90mph were witnessed on the EVO Triangle which is clearly unacceptable. It is well documented that we patrol that area which has seen its fair share of serious and fatal collisions.

“Several drivers and motorcyclists were dealt with for offences including driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance, defective tyres, seatbelts and number plate offences. These are all things that we regularly remind the public that we will target, with a view to prosecution, all those that commit road traffic offences.”

Insp Jones added: “Patrols will continue and we would like to remind everybody that staying safe on the road applies to every single one of us, whether we have two or four wheels on our vehicle.

“I would urge riders and drivers to think about their behaviour and what changes they could make to improve their own safety and that of other road users.”

Officers are also reminding motorists that they can submit dash cam footage of any driving offences they witness on the roads of North Wales as part of All Wales’ Operation Snap.

The operation – which involves members of the public submitting their dash cam footage or photographs as evidence has the full support of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Footage can be submitted via the North Wales Police website.

Anybody who has information regarding people driving or riding under the influence, or who may be committing any other driving offences are urged to contact North Wales Police on 101 or via the live web chat. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.