North Wales Police Launches Festive Crackdown on Drink and Drug Driving

North Wales Police has initiated its annual campaign to combat drink and drug driving during the festive season. The operation, which is part of the ongoing #OpLimit initiative, commenced on December 1, 2023, and aims to enhance road safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Enhanced Enforcement Measures

Police forces throughout Wales and the wider UK are employing intelligence-led tactics and analyzing local data to identify and apprehend drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This intensified enforcement will especially target peak times, including weekends and the mornings following nights out.

In addition to traditional patrols, North Wales Police will utilize social media and a digital advertising campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving. A digital ad van will traverse the region, displaying key safety messages throughout December.

Led by the Roads Crime Unit, officers from local policing teams, the Armed Policing Unit, and the Special Constabulary will participate in around-the-clock operations.

Sergeant Emma Birrell of the Roads Crime Unit emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating, “We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving all year round, but our December campaign will see us conducting extensive patrols across the region.” She added that this includes focusing on known hotspot areas and conducting intelligence-led stops.

Consequences of Driving Under the Influence

The police are committed to making North Wales roads safer for everyone. Sergeant Birrell pointed out that anyone caught driving under the influence faces severe penalties, including a minimum driving ban of 12 to 18 months. “We urge people to consider the long-term consequences of such actions,” she said.

The impact of losing a driving license can be substantial. It may affect individuals’ ability to commute to work or school, manage childcare, or visit family and friends. “The impact of losing your licence is enormous. You could lose your job and your home. Worse still, you could injure or kill yourself or someone else. Drink or drug driving isn’t worth the risk,” she added.

Sergeant Birrell also assured that rural areas would not be overlooked during this campaign. “Anyone considering driving while under the influence should know that we will be out and about waiting for them. Please don’t think the rural nature of the region affords you protection because it doesn’t,” she warned.

In 2023, North Wales Police made 828 arrests for drink driving and 1,217 arrests for drug driving, demonstrating a strong commitment to tackling this issue throughout the year.

“Our message is simple: if you are out and know you will be drinking, make sure you have plans for getting home safely without driving,” Sergeant Birrell concluded. “We are fully committed to making the roads safer for all and we’ll continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others. Don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs — even a very small amount can affect your ability to drive safely.”

Individuals with concerns can reach out to North Wales Police via the live chat service on the force’s website, call 101 (or 999 in an emergency), or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.