Results of the Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign
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Over 100 arrests were made across north Wales as part of the Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign.
The month-long campaign, which ran from December 1st 2020 and January 1st 2021, ran in conjunction with a UK-wide operation led by the National Police Chief’s Council. In north Wales a total of 129 motorists were arrested, with 47 people failing breath tests and 82 people providing positive drugs tests.
During the 2019 campaign North Wales Police made 100 drink drive and 101 drug drive arrests.
Chief Inspector Jon Aspinall of the Force’s Operational Support Services said: “Despite fewer people being caught drink or drug driving over the 2020 Christmas period, we must acknowledge that the coronavirus pandemic is likely to be a significant factor.
“With more people working from home, roads being quieter and no big party nights, less people were taking unnecessary risks.
“However, it is disappointing that a minority are still prepared to gamble with their own lives and the lives of others.
“Driving whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs your judgement, making your reactions slower therefore increases your chances of being involved in a collision.
He added: “People should not view this pandemic as an opportunity to break the law. My teams are out as usual and continue to enforce the fatal five causes of deaths and serious injuries on the roads. During 2020 a total of 1,307 drug drive and 820 drink drive arrests were done by North Wales Police. These results show just how important it is that we keep our focus on drivers who continue to break the law whilst impaired.
“Remember – if you choose to break the law there is a good chance that you will be caught – it’s not worth the risk.”
Anyone convicted of drink or drug driving gets a criminal record, is subject to an automatic disqualification of at least 12 months and receives a large fine. Serious offenders can also be jailed.
If you suspect that someone is driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs contact us on 101 or via the live web chat. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Notes:
2020
1,307 drug drive arrests
820 drink drive arrests
2019
1,049 drug drive arrests
996 drink drive arrests
2018
742 drug drive arrests
950 drink drive arrests