June 16, 2018 - 1296 views
North Wales Police have launched a month-long campaign to reduce the number of drivers putting themselves and others at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Joining with the other three Welsh Police forces, the campaign will see increased resources on the roads across Wales.
In the last 50 years, road casualties caused by drink driving have fallen dramatically – this is due to change in attitude regarding drink driving and also the improvements in technology and processes by the Police. However according to the Department for Transport there has been a six-fold increase in the number of people caught drug-driving across the UK.
Superintendent Jane Banham of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Driving under the influence is a crime with the potential of causing serious injury or death.
“As part of the campaign, officers will be stepping up their patrols, using a range of tactics and intelligence to take action against anyone who breaks the law. Using the latest technology, police forces are better equipped than ever before to detect someone they expect of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We hope to shine a light on the true impact of driving under the influence.”
Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said: “It is hugely disappointing that campaigns such this are still needed. However, as there are still far too many lives shattered by substance and alcohol impaired driving every year in Wales, it’s clear they still are.
“The dangers drivers face, and pose to others, increase tremendously if they get behind the wheel of a car when under the influence of drink or drugs. The annual All Wales Summer Drink Drug Drive Campaign is invaluable in continuing to educate all motorists on the very real risks they run if they make that decision.
So far this year North Wales Police have made 352 drink drive and 304 drug drive arrests.
Superintendent Banham added: “The sole reason we carry out these campaigns is to help keep people safe on the roads, and I would like to encourage anybody who may have concerns about those driving under the influence to contact us - they could possibly save a life.
“Driving whilst under the influence has significant impact on people; the devastation caused to families following a fatal collision can be immeasurable.
“Although this is a seasonal campaign our work to tackle drink and drug drivers happens 365 days a year – during 2017 North Wales Police made 882 drink drive arrests and 600 drug drive arrests. Please heed the warning.”
