Anti-Drink and Drug Drive Campaign Sees Over 3700 Breathalysed

A campaign to crackdown on drink driving over the Christmas period has seen almost 4,000 breath tests being administered in North Wales in the first two weeks.

So far 3,761 breath tests have been carried out as part of the All Wales Anti Drink and Drug Drive campaign that begun on Tuesday, 1st of December.

In the first two weeks of the month-long campaign, 29 arrests have been made after drivers provided a positive sample or refused to give a breath tests in roadside stop checks across the region.

18 people have also been arrested after failing a roadside drugs swipe test.

Chief Inspector Darren Wareing from the Roads Policing Unit said: “People should be aware that we have detailed tactical plans to support this campaign, that include targeting specific areas following analysis of intelligence and information given to us by concerned members of the community.

“Christmas and New Year are a time for enjoyment and social events, and whilst I would encourage everyone to have a good time, it is important to reiterate our key message; if you drink, don’t drive and if you drive, don’t drink – it’s that simple!

“I would also like to thank people who have contacted us during the campaign so far, to give us the information we needed. The sole reason we carry out these campaigns is to help keep people safe on the roads, and by letting us know of anybody driving under the influence of drink or drugs they are possibly saving a life.

“Officers are also better equipped than ever to detect and penalise drug drivers. In March this year new legislation was introduced that set legal limits for how much of a substance – both illegal drugs and prescription medication, motorists can have in their system whilst driving. Officers now carry the drug swipe kit which is used at the side of the road to test drivers’ saliva.”