A campaign to crackdown on drink driving over the summer has seen over 800 breath tests being administered in North Wales in the first week.
Led by North Wales Police, the month-long All Wales Summer Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign throughout June, sees all four Welsh police forces increase the pressure and focus on those drivers who drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs.
Since June 1, nine people have been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and five for drug-driving as part of the campaign.
The first arrest was made shortly after 7:30am on June 2, where a 55-year-old man was arrested at the roadside in the Caernarfon area. He was subsequently charged and he has been bailed to appear before Caernarfon Magistrates on June 17.
This Summer is the first time officers can now take a roadside swab test to see if the driver has taken cannabis or cocaine.
New legislation came into force in March 2015 which sets legal limits for how much of a substance – both illegal drugs and prescription medications motorists can have in their system whilst driving.
Sergeant Tony Gatley from the Roads Policing Unit said: “Despite the warning that we would be out and about, in the first week of the campaign nine motorists have been arrested in north Wales following a roadside breath test. A further five have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving. This is clearly unacceptable and disappointing.
“During the summer months, we all enjoy the longer evenings but this often puts people in situations where they may be drinking more than usual, for example at barbeques and at local pub gardens. Our campaign aims to highlight the fact that mixing drinking and driving, or driving under the influence of drugs simply isn’t worth the risk.”
“If convicted, each will be disqualified from driving for at least 12 months, face a heavy fine and many could lose their jobs. Drink drivers are a danger to themselves, their passengers and other road users. The campaign is ongoing, please heed the warning.”
If you know of someone who regularly drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs please contact North Wales Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
