Summer Anti Drink And Drug Drive Campaign Net 78 Arrests
Almost 4,000 breath tests were administered throughout North Wales during the recent Anti Drink and Drug Driving Summer Campaign.
Led by Dyfed Powys Police, officers stepped up the pressure in a concerted effort to deter people from driving motor vehicles whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
During the month-long campaign, which was launched to coincide with the Euros Football Championship, a total of 9,532 breath tests were administered throughout Wales with 306 of those being positive, refused or fail to provide. 199 roadside tests for drugs were administered with 131 showing positive for drugs.
North Wales Police administered 3,958 breath tests with 78 testing positive, refusing or failing to provide.
36 people were also arrested after failing the roadside drugs swipe test.
Chief Inspector Darren Wareing from North Wales Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “We want to get the message across that drinking alcohol and driving or driving under the influence of drugs is unacceptable and that it puts other roads users’ lives at risk.
“Through our annual Christmas and summer campaigns we have consistently warned the public that drink and drug driving can kill. It can also lead to a lengthy driving ban and possible loss of jobs and livelihoods with some even facing imprisonment.
“We are disappointed that there is still a group of people who are not listening or ignoring the consequences and continuing to drink or take drugs and drive.
“With the current warm weather, more people may be tempted to have a few drinks, at barbecues or whilst drinking in beer gardens during the afternoons, and may drive without thinking of the consequences.
He added: “Think before you go out, watch what you drink and plan how you will get home.”
North Wales Police has a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which are drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Chief Inspector Wareing added: “We are committed to assisting in reducing casualties on the road through the use of targeted operations around high risk groups of people and locations while enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences.”
“It is important to stress that the work does not stop here – any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive, campaigns such as this raise awareness and we will continue to target those breaking the law as part of daily policing.
“We will continue to carry out intelligence-led operations targeting people who frequently drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs throughout the year.”
Chair of Road Safety Wales Susan Storch said: “We were clear in our messages throughout the campaign that drink or drug driving is not acceptable, and will not be tolerated. The police services also made effective use of the new legislation under Section 5a and made some significant arrests during the campaign period.”
“Those that selfishly break the law are endangering themselves and, more importantly, other road users. Drink and drug driving ruins lives all year round and we will continue to work closely with the Police in reinforcing these messages throughout the year.”
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