13 arrests following month-long road safety operation

An operation aimed at targeting those who commit offences on the roads across Gwynedd South saw several tickets being issued to motorists last month.

During July officers took part in Operation Clench and several motorists were found to be committing driving offences including driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving without a valid licence.

During the month 33 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were issued, including:

• Three vehicles with no MOT.
• Five travelling with no insurance.
• Two driving without a license.
• 11 were found to be using their mobile phones whilst driving.

Of those found with minor defects, five were given a VDRS (Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme) which directs road users to get any police-noted defect fixed and provide evidence of this to police within 14 days.

Seven vehicles were seized due to being driven without a license or insurance.

We also made 13 arrests, including:

• Eight on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Three on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.
• Two on suspicion of driving whilst disqualified.

Three section 59 notices were given to those driving in a careless or anti-social manner. If a person receives two of these formal warnings within a space of 12 months their vehicle will be seized.

Additionally, four stop searches of vehicles resulted in:

• One arrest on suspicion of possession with intent to supply in Bala.
• Over £200 of stolen items being retrieved from a prolific shoplifter in the Pwllheli area.
• One arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and a quantity of suspected amphetamines and cocaine seized.

Gwynedd South District Inspector Iwan Jones said: “Operation Clench targeted drivers who flout the law and put other road users at risk.

“We’re not aiming to spoil anyone’s fun but want to encourage all road users to be safe and competent with the aim of reducing the number of collisions on our roads.

“Thank you to community members who supported the operation and shared their concerns with us.”

If you have concerns about dangerous or illegal driver in your area, contact police via our website or by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.