All Wales Anti Drink/Drug Driving Campaign
This Winter police will be targeting drivers who risk their lives and the lives of others by driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Gwent Police will lead the month-long campaign, running from 1st December 2015 to 1st January 2016, on behalf of the four welsh police forces.
Last year in Wales a total of 30,718 motorists took part in the campaign, with 488 returning either positive results or failing/refusing to take the breath test.
Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable, Julian Williams, will be launching the campaign at the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran on 25th November alongside Road Safety Wales. He said:
“Christmas and New Year are a time for enjoyment and social events, and whilst I would encourage everyone to have a good time, it is important to reiterate our key message; if you drink, don’t drive and if you drive, don’t drink – it’s that simple!
“The smallest amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely, so the only safe option is to not drink at all.
“It is also important to remember that if you have a drink in the evening you can still be over the limit the following morning, we will be conducting roadside breath tests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“If you have any information relating to someone who may be driving after drinking or taking drugs, please report it to 101. In an emergency always call 999.”
Although this is a month-long focussed campaign, the drive to change attitudes, increase road safety and catch offenders continues all year round.
Chief Inspector Martyn Stone, South Wales Police Roads Policing Unit, said:
“The impact that driving under the influence of drink or drugs has on the driver, the driver’s family, any passengers or pedestrians and their families is unimaginable. If you are going out for a drink, please plan ahead and book a taxi, designate a sober driver or arrange a lift.
“Our officers will be out on the roads throughout December and the festive period to stop and test drivers for drink and drugs. It is not worth risking the fine, the penalty points, a driving ban or consequences that could ultimately have a far greater impact ”.
