This Christmas 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 on behalf of the four welsh police forces, with the launch taking place at the Congress Theatre in Cwmbran on Thursday 1st December.
Last year in Wales a total of 40,264 motorists took part in the campaign, with 578 returning either positive results or failing/refusing to take the breath test.
Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Carmel Napier said:
"We are committed to making the roads in Wales safer and year on year we raise awareness of the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs through campaigns such as this one.
"Christmas is 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!"
Officers in Wales will be out and about 24 hours a day, 7 days a week conducting high profile roadside checks and using intelligence to identify offenders. Although this is a month-long focussed campaign, the drive to change attitudes, increase road safety and catch offenders continues all year round.
The Chair of Road Safety Wales, Susan Storch, said: "Our advice is that if you're expecting to drink alcohol during the Christmas holiday, plan how to get home without driving. Don't offer an alcoholic drink to someone you know is planning to drive and don’t accept a lift from a driver you know has drunk alcohol."
Welsh Government Minster with responsibility for Transport, Carl Sargeant, said:
"Alcohol related deaths on our roads are entirely avoidable. The Welsh Government is committed to targeting the small minority of people drinking and driving on our roads, and campaigns like this are crucial to changing attitudes."
Gwent Police officers will be launching the campaign at the Congress Theatre in Gwent Square, Cwmbran at 12pm on Thursday 1st December 2011. Roads Policing Officers and Special Constables will be on hand to speak with members of the public, and give them the chance to take a breath test to gain a greater understanding of the process and how the equipment works. Partner agencies will also be present with information and stands to support and raise awareness of the campaign.
If you have information relating to someone you think is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact police on 101. In an emergency always call 999.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Media are invited to the event to film, take photographs and interview officers present. If you are interested in attending please contact Kate Emmens at Gwent Police press office on 01633 647018.