Police issue stark warning to those driving under the influence after series of arrests across north Wales

Police have issued a stark warning to those who risk their lives and the lives of others by driving under the influence of drink and drugs.

It comes after a series of cases dealt with by the Roads Policing Unit over the last few days whereby several individuals have failed the roadside breath and drugs test.

A man who was caught driving at speed with no headlights on Kingsland Road in Holyhead during the early hours of this morning was also over the legal drink drive limit, and as a result has been charged and will appear before court very soon.

On Saturday afternoon a 25-year-old man tested positive for cannabis at the roadside near Mold and was arrested. He was also wanted by Merseyside Police for another offence.

A 26-year-old man was stopped by officers in Wrexham during the early hours of Saturday morning and tested positive for cannabis.

On the same day a 40-year-old man was arrested after being stopped by officers in Llanfairfechan where he tested positive for cocaine and cannabis, a 28-year-old man tested positive for cannabis at the roadside in Wrexham and was arrested and a 41-year-old man was arrested in Holyhead after testing positive for cocaine.

A 43-year-old woman was arrested in Pwllheli after testing positive for cocaine and alcohol. Her vehicle was also seized due to having no insurance.

Other recent examples include a 27-year-old woman who was arrested in St Asaph last night (Monday) after testing positive for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside.

On Sunday, a woman was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving in Colwyn Bay, a man was arrested in Bethesda Bach on the outskirts of Caernarfon after testing positive for cannabis at the roadside, and a 28-year-old man was also arrested for a fourth time in the space of a month after failing the roadside drugs test. His vehicle was seized with the aim of applying to the court for a forfeiture order.

On Friday other drug-drive related arrests were made in Wrexham, Northop and Colwyn Bay.

Now as travel restrictions have been eased North Wales Police are reminding motorists that they will continue to crack down on those caught driving whilst under the influence and are warning that education and enforcement to remind drivers of their responsibilities will be stepped up.

Sergeant Trystan Bevan of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Despite our repeated warnings regarding the dangers of drink and drug driving, people are still choosing to risk their own lives and the lives of other road users by taking to the roads whilst under the influence.

“Those arrested on suspicion of drug driving now have an anxious wait for the results of further tests.

“If convicted of drug driving they could face being disqualified, receive a fine, a prison sentence and a criminal record. Few people also realise that a drug drive conviction also means greater insurance costs and the possibility of being unable to travel to countries such as the USA.

“Some have also been charged with drink driving and will appear before court over the coming weeks.”

He added: “Driving with excess alcohol or whilst under the influence of drugs is not just a criminal offence but also completely unacceptable which puts lives at risk.

“There are no words to describe the devastation caused by drink and drug driving. Having to tell someone their loved one has been killed because a driver made the selfish decision to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence is the worst part of our job.

“Anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting for them – please don’t think the rural nature of the region affords you protection because it doesn’t.”

A 54-year-old woman was stopped on the A55 near Bangor at approximately 6am this morning and provided a positive roadside breath test. She later passed the breath test procedure in police custody and was released without charge.

The same thing also happened to another driver – a 63-year-old woman was stopped in Hope near Wrexham when she failed the roadside breath test, but later passed the procedure in custody.

Sergeant Bevan added: “Despite the two individuals passing the breath test procedure in custody, both took a risk by driving after drinking alcohol.

“Patrols will continue as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the roads safe for all and to provide a high visibility reassurance to our communities, and we will continue to take action against drivers who commit offences on our roads.”

If you have information relating to someone you think is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact North Wales Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.