Disposable breath test kits issued to Wrexham hotels in bid to reduce drink-driving offences over Christmas

Disposable breath test kits are being distributed to hotels across Wrexham in a bid to reduce the number of drink-drive related incidents this Christmas.

The ‘Drivesafe Express’ disposable breath test kits are a useful ‘indicator only’ device for anybody who wants to check for alcohol levels the morning after a night of drinking.

They have been distributed to hotels across Wrexham and the wider region as part of North Wales Police’s annual Christmas anti-drink and drug driving campaign.

Over the next few weeks officers will be using intelligence-led tactics and local knowledge of hotspot areas to detect people who are driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the festive period.

“Due to the positive feedback the force has previously received regarding these kits, we decided to take a new approach by distributing to local hotels in areas where we usually see an increase in the amount of drink drive arrests,” said Temporary Chief Inspector Dave Cust of the Roads Policing Unit.

“We are extremely grateful to all businesses who have agreed to work in partnership with us this year. Many of the hotels we have approached are hosting special party nights so staying guests will be able to test themselves the morning after.

“We are not in any way encouraging people to drink and then breath-test themselves immediately. These kits are specifically for use the morning after as they will give an indication if any alcohol is detected in their system.”

The tests will give an indication of high alcohol levels, but won’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.

T/C.I Cust added: “We have previously received an overwhelming positive response to the disposable kits. Many have told us that they have helped stop them from driving the morning after when they have indicated that alcohol was still present.

“From our point of view if these kits prevent one person from taking a risk the morning after then they’ve done their job.

Using the #ChooseWisely hashtag the month-long campaign will also feature officers from the force’s Roads Policing Unit using social media to give their own accounts of what it is like to deal with the aftermath of a collision involving a drink or drug driver.

Speaking from experience they will tell of the times when they have witnessed the devastating consequences of getting behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.

“Having to tell someone their loved one has been killed because a driver made the selfish decision to get behind the wheel when under the influence is the worst part of their job,” said Chief Superintendent Neill Anderson of the Operational Support Services Department.

“There are no words to describe the devastation caused by drink and drug driving and that is why we are so passionate about what we do. As the festive season gets underway we are reminding drivers of the dangers and consequences of getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence.

“Our message is simple; if you are out and know you will be drinking, make sure you have plans for getting home safely without driving.”

If you suspect someone is driving whilst under the influence, 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.