“Reducing casualties on our roads remains one of our top priorities” – Road safety campaign continues in North Wales

A man who was over three times over the drink drive limit and drivers who failed the roadside drugs test were amongst those arrested over the weekend by North Wales Police as part of an ongoing road safety operation.

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit continued their patrols across the region as part of #OpDarwen campaign – an annual campaign which runs from early Spring through until the autumn. It is aimed at promoting driver and rider safety and sees high visibility patrols being carried out along key routes which have been identified as high risk areas.

The campaign sees officers from the Roads Policing Unit, the Armed Alliance Unit and Special Constabulary Road Safety Unit engage with riders and drivers at popular meeting spots, and they also work closely with Dyfed Powys Police along the border routes and colleagues from Go Safe.

Over the weekend Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were issued to motorcyclists and car drivers for a variety of offences, including illegal number plates, contravening white lines and excess speed.

A Porsche driver was also fined £100 for not having a front number plate displayed and several VDR’s (Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme) were issued for minor vehicle defects.

On Saturday afternoon a man from the Conwy area, was arrested after police were called by a member of the public who had concerns for a child who was seen to be getting into a car. Following enquiries the vehicle was located in the Conwy area and the driver was arrested by a member of the local policing team.

The 46-year-old has since been charged with drink driving and he will appear before Llandudno Magistrates Court on June 8th.

On Sunday afternoon three drivers were arrested after failing the roadside drugs test in Llandudno, Dolgarrog and Betws-y-Coed. All three now await the results of further tests.

Locally a vehicle was seized in Wrexham due to not being insured

Superintendent Jane Banham from the Force’s Operational Support Services said that patrols will continue this weekend in a bid to keep the roads across North Wales safe.

“So far in 2018, tragically we have already seen several fatal and serious collisions on the roads of North Wales,” she continued.

“Last year we had eight fatal collisions involving motorcycles and so far this year we’ve had six – and we are only in May.

“Reducing casualties on our roads remains one of our top priorities. We want people to enjoy coming to North Wales travelling on some great roads, but most of all we want them to ride and drive safely and responsibly.

“However, all motorists must be aware that North Wales Police is doing all it can to ensure our roads are used safely by all, with our dedicated Roads Policing Units taking robust action to prevent fatal or serious road traffic collisions.

“Many of the riders and drivers we spoke to over the weekend were aware of the number of collisions seen so far across the region, and were fully compliant.

Supt Banham added: “Our proactive patrols will continue this weekend 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 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.