All Wales Winter Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign Results
Over 480 drivers in Wales were caught over the drink drive limit during the All Wales Winter Anti Drink and Drug Driving Campaign. Throughout the month-long campaign 30,718 drivers throughout Wales were breath tested between 1st December 2014 and 1st January 2015.
Dyfed-Powys Police carried out 8,204 breath tests with 140 being positive. In Gwent a total of 2,203 breath tests were carried out, with 42 being positive. In North Wales Police officers tested 15,627 drivers, with 76 being positive, and South Wales Police administered 4684 tests with 230 positive results.
The campaign was launched with support from drink drive victim Dr Mark Boulcott, who lost his wife and was left disabled by a drink driver. Speaking on behalf of the Welsh forces, Deputy Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, and ACPO All Wales lead on Roads Policing Carl Langley said: "It is disappointing that 488 drivers throughout Wales chose to risk their own lives, and the lives of others during the campaign. We were clear in our messages throughout the campaign that drink or drug driving is not acceptable, and will not be tolerated. But those that chose to break the law and endanger themselves and other road users arrogantly were in the minority, and we thank the public that showed support for the campaign and were happy to co-operate.
"Drink driving ruins lives all year round, and our efforts to combat it continue throughout the year. We are asking the public in Wales to help us take these people off our roads, and report anyone you suspect of drink or drug driving.”
Chair of Road Safety Wales Susan Storch said, “Drink and/or taking drugs and driving is dangerous. Drivers should be under no illusion that if they get behind the wheel while under the influence they not only risk losing their licence, getting a fine and even a prison sentence but they are putting the lives of others at risk by doing so.
“We commend the efforts of our partners in the Police Service during the Winter Campaign as part of our continued efforts to drive home the message of ‘Drink or Drive’ not both.”
If you have information relating to someone you think is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.
Notes:
During the 2013 Winter Campaign:
35,255 drivers were breath tested throughout Wales.
Dyfed-Powys Police carried out 11,281 breath tests with 161 being positive. In North Wales a total of 18,159 breath tests were carried out, with 107 being positive. In Gwent officers tested 2,470 drivers, with 39 being positive, and South Wales Police administered 3,345 tests with 158 positive results.