Initial results for the Christmas anti drive drive campaign have shown more motorists are taking heed of the message this year.
The campaign started on 3rd December and since then 16,601 tests have been carried out by Gwent Police officers, of which 70 have been positive (0.4%).
Last year 13,924 tests were undertaken with 125 people testing positive (0.9%).
If you are convicted of drink driving you will most certainly have a criminal record and lose your licence for a minimum of one year but you could also face a fine of up to £5000 or worse still, a prison sentence.
Chief Inspector Glyn Fernquest said,
“When stopping motorists to explain what we are doing we have had positive reactions, people are pleased to see that we are taking robust action against anyone driving under the influence of drink or drugs. This is not just about enforcement, the campaign gives us an opportunity to educate people about the dangers, this whole initiative is about making our roads safer and this should be a time for everyone to enjoy the festive season – motorists not only put themselves at risk by drink driving but other innocent road users as well.
Although initial results indicate fewer people are drink driving we want to get to the point where no-one is drink driving so there is always more work to do.
I would also remind people although we are currently running our Christmas campaign we do target drink drivers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
If you see anyone acting irresponsibly this Christmas, about to drive following an alcoholic drink, and you are not in a position to safely dissuade them from doing so, please contact Gwent Police on 01633 838 111 and ask to speak with an officer from your local police station.
To find out more about the campaign or to offer your views/feedback on the campaign please visit www.gwent.police.uk and click on the link on the front page.
