Over the Summer, South Wales Police alongside other welsh police forces have come together to target those who commit an offence by drink or drug drive.
Led by Dyfed Powys Police, the campaign ran from Friday 10th June until Sunday 10th July, during which time a total of 9,532 breath tests were administered across Wales, with 306 of those being positive, refused or fail to provide. A further 199 roadside tests for drugs were administered with 131 showing positive for drugs.
The offence of drinking alcohol or taking drugs and driving is one of the “fatal 5″; the five offences that can lead to death or serious injury on our roads. The others being careless driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving while on a mobile phone.
South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan said:
“Getting behind the wheel when under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime. It puts the driver, passengers, other roads users and pedestrians in serious danger.
“The summer campaign, which coincided with UEFA Euro 2016 tournament, focused on educating the public and enforcing the law around driving under the influence. Within the South Wales Police area, 1819 breath tests were conducted with 109 testing positive, refusing or failing to provide and a further 51 drug wipes test were carried out, with 45 being positive.”
“Although this was a month-long focussed campaign, the drive to change attitudes, increase road safety and catch offenders will continue year round, across all police forces.”
Chair of Road Safety Wales Susan Storch said;
“We were clear in our messages throughout the campaign that drink or drug driving is not acceptable, and will not be tolerated. The police services also made effective use of the new legislation under Section 5a and made some significant arrests during the campaign period.”
“Those that selfishly break the law are endangering themselves and, more importantly, other road users. Drink and drug driving ruins lives all year round and we will continue to work closely with the Police in reinforcing these messages throughout the year.”
Anyone with information about people drinking and driving should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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