Police launch #OpLimit targeting drink and drug drivers over the festive period

‘You should be under no illusion if you get behind the wheel whilst under the influence you not only risk your licence, get a fine or prison sentence, but you are risking lives too’ – that is the message being driven by North Wales Police as they launch their 2024 Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign.

The national month-long #OpLimit campaign targeting driving whilst under the influence begins on Sunday, 1^st December and police forces across the country will be using intelligence-led tactics and local knowledge of hotspots to detect people who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol over the festive period.

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

Led by the Force’s Roads Crime Unit, officers from across all teams – including local policing, armed officers as well as the Special Constabulary will be out – day and night targeting those who are endangering not only their own life, but the lives of innocent road users.

“Having to knock on a door and tell someone their loved one has been killed because a driver made the selfish decision to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence is the worst part of our job,” said Sergeant Emma Birrell of North Wales Police’ Roads Crime Unit.

“There are no words to describe the devastation caused by drink and drug driving and that is why we are so passionate about what we do. As the festive season gets underway not only are we reminding drivers of the dangers but we’re also highlighting the consequences of getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence.

“Anyone caught faces a minimum 12-to-18-month disqualification and the public are being urged to take a moment and think seriously about how that would affect your life; driving to work or college, childcare arrangements or school runs, socialising and visiting family. The impact of losing your licence is enormous. You could lose your job and your home. Worst still, you could injure or kill yourself or someone else. Drink or drug driving isn’t worth the risk.

“Our teams will be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week and anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting for them – please don’t think the rural nature of the region affords you protection because it doesn’t. We target drink and drug drivers throughout the year, not just during the Christmas period - between January and October this year North Wales Police have made 691 drink drive arrests and 886 drug drive arrests. There is no hiding place.

“Our teams are on heightened alert all year round but especially at this time of year – they will spot you, they will catch you and you will face the consequences. Drivers need to be aware that regardless of the time of day they are caught, whether they are going to work or taking children to school, they will face the same penalties as someone who has chosen to drink heavily in a pub and driven at night.

Sergeant Birrell added: “Our message is simple; if you are out and know you will be drinking, make sure you have plans for getting home safely without driving.

"We are fully committed to help make the roads safer for all and we’ll continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others. Don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs - even a very small amount of drugs or alcohol can affect your ability to drive safelyDon’t let your friends and family pay the price.

“For the first ten months of this year we’ve made over 1,570 drink and drug drive arrests. Please help us to keep the roads safe all year round. Information from the public is crucial in tackling the issue, therefore if you know someone who drives whilst under the influence, please do the right thing and report them by calling us on 101.”

Notes:

• The 2023 campaign, which ran from 1 December 2023 to 1 January 2024, saw 79 arrests across the region for drink-driving, with another 90 for drug-driving.
• During the same period in 2022 North Wales Police made 67 drink drive arrests and 90 drug drive arrests.
• Throughout 2023 North Wales Police made 888 drug drive arrest and 964 drink drive arrests.
• Social media users are encouraged to follow the #OpLimit and #Fatal5 hashtags.

Police take action against drink and drug-drivers every day of the year. Anybody who has concerns about someone they believe to be driving whilst under the influence are asked to contact police via the website or via 101 (or 999 if they are posing an imminent danger) or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.