Gwent Police is encouraged by the results of this years All Wales Christmas Anti Drink Drive campaign as, even though more motorists were breath tested than ever before in any one campaign, only 0.4% tested positive.
In total 20,578 drivers in Gwent were stopped as part of the campaign, which ran from December 1st to January 1st. Only 80 returned a positive breath test or refused/ failed to provide a breath test.
In addition, of those motorists tested who were under 25 years old, 0.8% returned a positive breath test or refused/ failed to provide a breath test. Of those who were over 25 years old, 0.3% returned a positive breath test or refused/ failed to provide a breath test.
National ACPO lead for Roads Policing and Gwent Police Chief Constable Mick Giannasi said;
“I am encouraged by the low percentage of positive breath tests returned. I am even more encouraged because, of the thousands of motorists stopped by Gwent officers, they were overwhelmingly supportive of the campaign and only a small minority were found to be still drinking and driving, prepared to break the law and risk taking their own life or that of another.
This is the third time Gwent Police has implemented a mass screening campaign in which the driver is invited to provide a breath test voluntarily. We ensure it takes place in high profile locations to clearly demonstrate to motorists and passers-by how seriously we treat the offence of drink driving and our commitment to making Gwent roads safer. Not only is it serving as a strong deterrent to any motorist who still considers it acceptable to get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs, it also provides the officer with an opportunity to engage with motorists, explain why we are doing it and reassure drivers that the probability of getting caught as a drink driver is extremely high.”
Joanna, stopped in Pontypool, said:
“My family and I completely support your work in this campaign. I would like to commend the officer conducting the check. He was friendly, polite and quick to explain what was going on.”
Mario stopped in Newport said:
“Last night I was pulled over and officers explained that they were conducting the drink drive campaign, and breathalysed me. I am pleased to see them taking action to stop and discourage drink driving. I hope this will be an effective campaign not only over the Christmas period but throughout 2010 as well.”
Mr Giannasi concludes:
”Our efforts to tackle drink driving continue 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The message is simple. If people drink and drive they are likely to get caught, arrested, prosecuted, lose their licence and quite possibly face prison.”
