Following a month-long drink and drug driving crackdown led by Gwent Police and supported by North Wales, South WalesDyfed Powys police forces, the percentage of drivers on Welsh roads found to be over the legal alcohol limit was slightly higher this year compared to last – showing that there are still people who are willing to put their own lives and the lives of others road users at risk. and
Figures released today show that out of the 25,714 people stopped and breath tested by police in Wales, 513 (2%) tested positive or refused or failed a breath test. This compares to 1.8% during the same campaign last year.
This breaks down as follows:
- In North Wales Police force 6,876 drivers were tested with 103 positives
- In Gwent Police force, 9,620 tests were carried out with 77 positives
- In South Wales Police force, 4,430 tests were carried out with 234 positives
- In Dyfed Powys Police force 4,788 tests were carried out with 99 positives
This year, Welsh police forces used various methods to identify drivers who choose to break the law, including intelligence-led operations, encouraging members of the public to report drivers who they suspect have been drink driving or intend to drink drive, and inviting passing motorists to voluntarily take part in the campaign by stopping them at the roadside.
The message is simple. If people drink and drive, they are likely to get caught. If that happens, as it inevitably will, they will be treated like criminals, they will be arrested, they will be prosecuted, they will lose their licence, they could lose their job and in some cases, they could even go to prison.
Chief Inspector Dave Roome from North Wales Police’ Operational Services Group said: “It is disappointing that people continue to ignore the drink drive message and continue to risk their lives and those of other road users by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle whilst over the limit.
“North Wales Police is committed to keeping the area’s roads safe, and we will continue to proactively target motorists suspected of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
He added: “If you know of a drink driver, we urge you to report it to the police immediately, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 – you could be saving a life.”
Gwent Police Chief Constable and ACPO lead for Roads Policing, Mick Giannasi said:
“We are committed to making Welsh roads as safe as possible and one of the most effective ways of doing that is through our relentless focus on drinking and driving.
“In addition to targeting offenders through intelligence-led policing, we invite the general public to take part in our campaign on a voluntary basis. The majority of the people who we stop and invite to take part do so willingly, and there is a great deal of public support for the pro-active approach we are taking.
“Although it is disappointing to see a slight rise this year in offending across Wales, our efforts to tackle drink/drug driving and to make the roads safer for all will continue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”
Advice for motorists:
- Don’t drink/drug drive – there is no safe limit
- If you are going out in a group, designate a driver who has agreed not to drink alcohol
- Make alternative arrangements to get home such as by train, bus, or taxi
- Do not get into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking or taking drugs
Anyone with information regarding drink or drug driving should contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers Wales on 0800 555 111.
