Over 530 Arrests in Drink/Drug Driving Crackdown
More than 530 people were arrested in Wales in December as police forces cracked down on driving under the influence of drink or drugs. The All-Wales Christmas Anti-Drink/Drug Driving Campaign, led by North Wales Police, saw 537 people arrested across the country. South Wales Police recorded the highest figures, making 207 arrests for drink and drug driving. Police described the actions of those caught as "disappointing".
As part of the campaign, North Wales Police distributed free disposable breath test kits for anyone who wanted an indication of alcohol levels the morning after a night of drinking.
Inspector David Cust, North Wales Police said: "We have received an overwhelmingly positive response to the disposable breath test kits. Many have told us it stopped them from driving the morning after having indicated that alcohol was still present in their systems. From our point of view if it prevented one person from taking a risk then they've done their job."
Chief Inspector Daryl Fahey of South Wales Police said: "It's disappointing to see that a proportion of drivers are continuing to risk their lives and others by getting behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs."
Arrests in South Wales rose to 207 from 181 from December 2016's campaign, but there was a drop in North Wales, where 143 people were arrested, down slightly from 155 last year. Dyfed Powys Police made 101 arrests and Gwent Police made 86.
North Wales Police said it made 56 drug drive arrests, South Wales Police made 25 arrests, Dyfed Powys Police made 18 arrests and Gwent Police made 14 arrests.