Drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be targeted by police during a month-long campaign.
Throughout June, Gwent Police will be focusing on drunk and drug driving as part of a wider national crackdown, known as the All Wales Campaign.
Last summer, over 9,500 motorists were stopped across Wales, with more than 300 either refusing to take a breath test or returning positive results.
Locally, Gwent Police carried out 1,004 breath tests, with 51 testing positive, refusing, or failing to provide. Over half of the administered drug wipes – 39 from 65 – also returned positive.
Assistant Chief Constable for Gwent Police, Emma Ackland, said: “The lighter evenings and warmer weather are great reasons to get together with friends and family. We want people to enjoy themselves but to stay safe and responsible by not getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
“As part of this All Wales Campaign, officers will be patrolling the roads throughout June, carrying out roadside breath tests. Our officers also carry kits that can detect illegal drugs, making us more equipped than ever to take action against those who are putting themselves and the safety of others at risk.
“Taking just one chance and getting behind the wheel, when you are under the influence of drink or drugs can have truly devastating consequences for you, your loved ones and others road users. Please plan ahead and ensure that if you are out having a drink, you have a safe and reliable way of getting home.”
Chair of Road Safety Wales, Susan Storch, added: “Road Safety Wales partners are committed to educating people about the consequences of drink and drug driving and fully support the police during this seasonal campaign and throughout the year.
“Choosing to drive when impaired by alcohol and or drugs is dangerous and unacceptable. Drivers should be under no illusion if they get behind the wheel whilst under the influence they not only risk their licence, receiving a fine and a prison sentence, but they are risking lives too.
“Drivers need to be aware that regardless of the time of day they are caught, whether they are going to work or taking children to school, they will face the same penalties as someone who has chosen to drink heavily in a pub and driven at night. Our message is clear, never drive under the influence of drink or drugs, even the morning after.”
I would like to congratulate the police for carrying out these patrols however i feel they are just a money making scheme and a publicity stunt for good press. Why dont we see these level of patrols on a normal day. The samr thing happend when the mobile phone ban in car law was introduced. You seen a large number of constables in their cars for that month, then nothing since. Its disgusting. These scheme should be the norm and not carried out now and then in a bid to increase the number of people caught drink driving. If they have the number of constables to carry out these campaigns why cant we see the same number on our streets in every day life
Totally agree with your comments
Good initiative – but as you say we need a regular presence of Police Officers on the streets in our communities !
Drinking & Driving figures have come down over the years but mobile phone use still continues.Targetting those who get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drugs is relatively new and is to be applaudef.
If you are caught using a mobile phone while driving it should carry a minimum 12 month ban – that would be a real deterrent !
I read in the guardian today that certain police services are privatising certain departments within the service, maybe this is a way forward for Gwent. I am sure this would realise more officers on the streets instead of sat behind a desk. Everyone says privatistion is bad but done within certain areas it can be of great benfit
Not sure privatisation is the way forward – but we definitely need more bobbies on patrol