Officers from the four Welsh police forces have stopped and breathalysed more than 40,000 drivers during this year’s Christmas Drink Drive Campaign which lasted from December 1st 2010 until January 1st 2011.
Of those tested throughout the campaign period in Wales, an average of just 1.4 per cent tested positive for alcohol.
In North Wales a total of 9,068 breath tests were carried out with 90 being positive.
In Dyfed Powys a total of 11,269 breath tests were carried out, with 139 being positive. In Gwent officers tested 12,022 drivers, with 95 being positive, and South Wales Police administered 7,905 tests with 254 positive results.
“It is disappointing that people continue to break the law whilst risking taking their own life or that of another,” said Chief Inspector David Roome from North Wales Police’s Operational Services Division.
“If people drink and drive they are likely to get caught, arrested, prosecuted, lose their licence and quite possibly face prison. Even one drunk driver is one too many and we will continue to take a robust approach to tackling drinking and driving throughout the year.
C.I David Roome added: “There has been public support for this approach, and together we can help make our roads safer for all.”
The Deputy First Minister, and Minister for Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “There has been a slow and steady change in attitudes towards drinking and driving in recent years, which are reflected in these results and has manifested itself in a huge reduction in road casualty figures. However, these efforts must continue. It is essential that motorists remember that if they’re going to drink they should get someone else to drive or leave their car at home, whatever the time of year. You can not calculate your own drink-drive limit so the only safe option is not to drink and drive.”
