SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is backing a campaign to keep roads safe during the festive period.
Mr Rowlands is supporting North Wales Police who have launched its annual festive operation to target drink and drug driving, as part of ongoing efforts to keep roads safe during one of the busiest times of the year.
The national month-long #OpLimit campaign is now underway with police forces across Wales and the wider UK using intelligence-led tactics and local hotspot data to detect people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Mr Rowlands said: “It is a sad fact that some people do drive when they have had a drink or taken drugs and I fully support any crackdown on this sort of behaviour.
“Quite apart from breaking the law driving under the influence puts lives at risk and I am happy to add my voice to ensure everyone stays safe on our roads this Christmas.
“The consequences of being convicted of drink or drug driving and losing your licence are huge and I would urge everyone not to get behind the wheel while under the influence.”
Led by the Roads Crime Unit, officers from across local policing teams, the Armed Policing Unit, and the Special Constabulary will take part in day-and-night operations.
Sergeant Emma Birrell, of North Wales Police’s Roads Crime Unit, said: “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. This includes targeting hotspot areas and conducting intelligence-led stops.
“We are committed to making the roads of North Wales safer for everyone, and we will be relentless in pursuing those who risk lives by making the selfish decision to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
“The public are being urged to take a moment and think seriously about how that would affect your life; driving to work or college, childcare arrangements or school runs, socialising and visiting family.
“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 said that anyone caught faces a minimum 12- to 18-month driving ban, and urged people to think about the long-term consequences.
Sergeant Birrell added: “We target drink and drug drivers throughout the year, and in 2025 so far, we have made 828 arrests for drink driving and 1,217 arrests for drug driving across the region. There really is no hiding place.
“Don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs — even a very small amount of drugs or alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely. Don’t let your friends and family pay the price.”
Anyone with concerns can contact North Wales Police via the live chat service on the force’s website, by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency), or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
