Summer Clampdown on Drink & Drug Driving Sees 118 Breathalysed in Wrexham

118 breath tests have been issued in to motorists in Wrexham this month as part of an ongoing campaign to clampdown on drink driving.

The breath tests come as part of an all Wales ‘Summer Anti Drink and Drug Driving Campaign’ which launched on June 1st.

In the ‘Wrexham Town’ area a total of 118 breath tests have been issued to motorists since the campaign began earlier this month.

Of the breath tests issues, two were found to be positive – resulting in two arrests.

Speaking about the figures, Town District Inspector Simon Kneale said: “We’re encouraged by the figure – there have been 116 regular breath tests, it’s a great indication that people are not drink driving. People clearly understand the consequences and danger of doing so.

“We will continue to promote the operation and educate drivers on the Fatal 5 principles. Our ultimate priority is to prevent road deaths.”

Elsewhere across North Wales the campaign also continues, with 1,971 people breath tested between the 1st – 26th June.

As a result 57 arrests have been made after drivers failed breath tests in roadside checks. 30 people also failed a drugs swipe test.

The campaign will run until 10th July to coincide with the 2016 UEFA European Championships which takes place in France.

Inspector Alun Davies from North Wales Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “We announced at the start of this campaign that we would be focusing our efforts to target drink and drug drivers.

“Despite that warning, in just over four weeks 57 motorists have been arrested in north Wales following a road side breath test. If convicted, each could be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months, face a heavy fine and many could lose their jobs. 30 drivers have also failed the roadside drugs swipe test. This is clearly unacceptable.

“Here in north Wales we run Operation Sodium – a 24/7 365 day a year anti-drink/drug drive campaign that was launched in response to the growing number of people who were being fatally injured on the roads, and in particular the rural roads of North Wales.

“As a consequence of these intelligence-led operations we are seeing a significant fall in collisions involving drink and/or drugs.”

Inspector Davies added: “Officers will continue to work hard to catch those responsible. Drink and drug drivers are a danger to themselves, their passengers and other road users. The campaign will continue, please heed the warning.”

If you have information relating to someone you think is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999. Alternatively contact can also be made via the live web chat on the North Wales Police website.