90 motorists arrested as part of crackdown on drink and drug driving

More than 90 arrests have been made as part of a crackdown on drink and drug driving over the Christmas period.

The all Wales Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign, which launched on December 1st, has seen officers target those who risk their lives and the lives of others by driving under the influence of drink and drugs.

As part of the month-long campaign police have made 60 drink-drive and 33 drug-drive arrests in north Wales.

If convicted, those caught driving under the influence will be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months and face a heavy fine.

Inspector Dave Cust of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Drink and drug drivers are a danger to themselves, their passengers and other road users.

” We will continue to use intelligence-led tactics and local knowledge of hotspots to detect people who are driving under the influence. Please heed the warning the message remains the same – if you’ve been drinking don’t drive.”

As part of the campaign, North Wales Police have purchased the DriveSafe Express disposable breath test kits which have been distributed to staffed police station front counters across the region for collection by members of the public to use at home prior to driving the morning after.

The kits* are a useful indicator only device for anyone who wants to check for alcohol levels the morning after a night of drinking. The kits will give an indication of high alcohol levels but it doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is ok to drive if they are showing to be under the stated level.

Any change of colour on the test indicates the presence of alcohol, meaning that a driver may still have sufficient levels of alcohol that could cause their arrest if stopped.

He added: “I would urge people to take a moment and think seriously about the impact of driving under the influence and how that would affect your life; driving to work or college, childcare arrangements or school runs, socialising and visiting family.

“The impact of losing your licence is enormous. Worst still, you could injure or kill yourself or someone else. Drink or drug driving isn’t worth the risk.”

If you suspect someone is driving while unfit to do so, please report it immediately to police on 101 (or 999 if they are posing imminent danger) or phone it through anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

*The kits are available via the following police station front counters: Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Bangor, Caernarfon, Llangefni and Holyhead.