Officers arrested 115 motorists over Christmas period for suspected drink and drug driving offences

MORE than 100 drivers were arrested on suspicion of drink/drug driving offences during Gwent Police’s December road safety operation. 

As part of the Christmas campaign, officers carried out intelligence-led vehicle checks and patrols at known hotspots between the start of December and New Year’s Day. 

Overall, officers arrested 108 people during the month-long initiative.

Forty-five were arrested on suspicion of drink driving offences, 64 on suspicion of committing drug driving offences, and six on suspicion of being under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. 

Inspector Leighton Healan, from the roads policing and specialist operations unit, said: 

“Far too many people are still willing to risk their lives and the lives of others by getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. 

“There is no excuse for it and officers will continue to do all we can to protect people from the devastating and long-lasting consequences of such selfish and irresponsible behaviour.

“Driving under the influence significantly impairs your ability to drive. You may feel fine, you might look okay, but you could be over the limit and be the reason a person loses their life. 

“Our message is clear – make the right decision; never get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.” 

As part of the campaign, Gwent Police also led numerous operations to increase road safety by addressing the four biggest contributory factors in collisions - driving under the influence of drink or drugs, mobile phone use, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt. 

Are you concerned someone is driving under the influence?  

Anyone caught committing a driving offence and putting themselves and others at risk will face further action.  

If you see someone driving dangerously, report it via our website, social media channels, or call 101.  

In 2023, Crimestoppers received more than 45,000 anonymous reports about people who regularly drive while under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.  

If you’d prefer to make a report anonymously, you can call them on 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

You can also submit evidence of anti-social driving, mobile phone use or other forms of unsafe driving via GoSafe’s Operation Snap initiative.

Read more here.