Over 30 arrests made during first week of Christmas anti drink and drug drive campaign

Over 30 arrests have been made across north Wales as part of the Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign so far.

During the first week of the campaign, which launched on December 1st, officers across north Wales have made 14 drink drive and 21 drug drive arrests.

The highest reading of the campaign so far has been 114 (the legal limit is 35) which resulted in a HGV driver being arrested on Anglesey after police received several reports of a HGV being driven erratically on the A55 towards Holyhead.

51-year-old Tomas Ambrazas of Altmore Gardens, Newry, Northern Ireland was charged and remanded to appear before court last week where he was sentenced to 8 months in prison suspended for 12 months and disqualified from driving for 30 months.

All those who were arrested on suspicion of drug driving now have an anxious wait for the results of further tests before a charging decision is made.

Roads Policing Chief Inspector Jon Aspinall said: “Anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting.

“The volume of arrests in week one demonstrate that we are fully committed to help make the roads safer for all and will continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others.

“Getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence can have dire consequences. Anyone caught faces a minimum 12-18 month ban and I would urge people to take a moment and think seriously about how that would affect your life.

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

“We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy festive season and so this is one of our most important annual campaigns.

“Despite our regular updates and constant warnings around the dangers and consequences of drink and drug-driving, too many people are still prepared to put their lives and those of other road users at risk.”

Follow the campaign on social media by following the #ChooseWisely and #Fatal5 hashtags.

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.