More than 165 arrested for drink or drug driving during December

More than 165 people were caught at the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs during a campaign run by North Wales Police last month.

The annual drink and drug driving 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.

The highest breath test reading at the roadside was 122 (the legal limit is 35). The 42-year-old man from Penrhyn Bay was stopped by police in Llandudno on December 13. He provided a positive breath test at the roadside and was arrested. He was later charged and bailed to appear before court. However, he was arrested again a few days later after providing a breath test reading of 121. He was remanded to appear before Magistrates where he was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. He was also disqualified from driving for 30 months and ordered to pay costs.

Superintendent Simon Barrasford of North Wales Police said: “These campaigns are undertaken to try and raise awareness of the seriousness of driving whilst under the influence, so it is disappointing that so many people are still breaking the law, despite it being publicly deplored and of course, extremely dangerous.

“Some have already been to court and have already lost their driving licence as well as fined. For others it will be more serious and they face losing their employment. Some may even be jailed.

“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. Our teams work 24 hours a day, seven days a week and anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence should know that we will be out and about waiting for them. We will continue to crack down on those who take this unnecessary risk and bring them before the courts.

Supt Barrasford added: “I don’t think people are quite grasping the full extent of the danger drink or drug-driving poses. Those that do take the risks clearly don't think about the families of those people who have died at the hands of a driver who is on high on drugs or drunk.

“We are here to save lives. Drink and drug driving can, and often does, have catastrophic consequences – which our officers, sadly, have seen first-hand. We want you to live and that’s why we do what we do, and we will continue in our efforts to take people who drink and drug drive off the roads in 2024 and beyond.”

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 on 101 (or 999 if they are posing an imminent danger) or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Notes:

• The 2022 Christmas campaign (1^st December 2022 to 1^st January 2023) North Wales Police made 67 drink drive arrests and 90 drug drive arrests.
• Throughout 2023 North Wales Police made 888 drug drive arrests.