First arrests of Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign

Officers have made over 25 arrests as part of the first week of the annual Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign.

Since the start of the campaign on December 1^st, 10 drink drive arrests and 18 drug drive arrests have been made across the region.

Several of those arrested on suspicion of drink driving will be appearing before Court ahead of Christmas and face the prospect of losing their licence and fined.

The highest reading of the campaign so far has been 97 (the legal limit is 35) whereby a 32-year-old man was arrested in Connah’s Quay on December 2nd. The man, who is from the area has since been charged with drink driving and will appear before Mold Magistrates Court on December 21st.

All those who have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving now have an anxious wait for the results of further tests before a charging decision is made. Those arrested tested positive for either cannabis or cocaine at the roadside. Two of those arrested tested positive for both. The age of the arrests range from 17-years-old to 60-years-old.

Superintendent Simon Barrasford of the Roads Crime Unit is continuing to urge people to think before they get behind the wheel. She said: “Anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting.

“We are fully committed to help make the roads safer for all and will continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others.

“This weekend will see many attend Christmas parties so we are pleading with them to make arrangements to get home safely, and to also remind them that they could still be over the alcohol limit the morning after a night of drinking.

“We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy festive season and so this is one of our most important annual campaigns. Despite our regular updates and constant warnings around the dangers and consequences of drink and drug-driving, too many people are still prepared to put their lives and those of other road users at risk.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin said: “This year’s Christmas Anti-Drink and Drug Driving campaign from North Wales Police has already seen over 25 people arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving on our road network, and the hard work and diligence of officers is to be applauded.

“However, it is still disappointing to see people taking this risk and possibly breaking the law while driving under the influence of drink and drugs. Road safety is an issue of huge importance to me and I want to see everyone get home safely over the Christmas period. If anyone is considering drink or drug driving I would urge them to think again. Not only would they be breaking the law, they would be putting themselves and others at risk. Officers are ready and waiting to stop them and to stop the menace of drink and drug driving on our roads, and I hope the Force’s advertising campaign will reinforce this message clearly.”

North Wales Police are using social media as well as a digital advertising campaign to drive home the message of the consequences surrounding drink or drug driving. This includes a digital ad van which is travelling across areas of North Wales on key dates throughout December, and digital billboards in shopping centres in Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and Wrexham which are promoting the message for the duration of the campaign. A poster campaign with licensees and secondary schools and colleges is also underway.

Follow the campaign on social media by following the #Fatal5 and #OpLimit hashtags.

If you suspect someone is driving while unfit to do so, please report it immediately to police on 101 (or 999 if they are posing imminent danger) or phone it through anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.