Welsh drink-drive numbers rise slightly

The number of drink-drivers detected during a month-long summer crackdown in Wales has risen slightly on last year's figure, say police.

Of the 25,714 people stopped and breath tested by Welsh police, 513 (2%) tested positive or refused or failed a test.

This compares to 1.8% during the same campaign last year.

"It is disappointing that people continue to ignore the drink-drive message," said Chief Insp Dave Roome, of North Wales Police.

This year's anti-drink and drug driving campaign was led by Gwent Police with support from the other three Welsh forces.

Officers used various methods to identify over-the-limit drivers.

These included intelligence-led operations, encouraging members of the public to report drivers who they suspect have been drink driving or intend to drink drive, and stopping drivers to test them at the roadside.

There is a great deal of public support for the pro-active approach we are taking”

Gwent Police chief constable Mick Giannasi said Wales' police forces were committed to a "relentless" focus on drink and drug drivers to ensure road safety.

"In addition to targeting offenders through intelligence-led policing, we invite the general public to take part in our campaign on a voluntary basis," he said.

"The majority of the people who we stop and invite to take part do so willingly, and there is a great deal of public support for the pro-active approach we are taking.

"Although it is disappointing to see a slight rise this year in offending across Wales, our efforts to tackle drink/drug driving and to make the roads safer for all will continue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year."

North Wales

6,876

103

Gwent Police

9,620

77

South Wales

4,430

234

Dyfed-Powys

4,788

99