Welsh police 'alarm' over summer drink-drive figures

Police have described as "alarming" the number of people arrested as part of a summer crackdown on drink-driving.

A total of 463 arrests were made for drink and drugs related offences across Wales in June.

In north Wales, two people were found to be about four times over the limit.

North Wales Police Deputy Chief Constable Ian Shannon said "it beggars belief that people take such risks and drive having consumed so much alcohol".

A total of 18,345 breath tests were carried out in June which resulted in 96 people (1.6 %) testing positive in north Wales; 87 (2.1%) in the Dyfed-Powys force area; 192 (4.8%) in south Wales; and 69 (1.5%) in Gwent Police's area.

'Selfish minority'

There were also 17 arrests for driving under the influence of drugs.

Mr Shannon said: "The four Welsh forces have been stepping up the pressure this summer to deter people from driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

"A total of 463 arrests for drink and drug related offences during this campaign is alarming.

"In north Wales there were examples of drivers being arrested for driving after consuming so much alcohol that they provided readings of 147 and 138 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

"When you consider the drink drive limit is 35 microgrammes it beggars belief that people take such risks and drive having consumed so much alcohol. "

He said the campaign will continue throughout the summer.

Gareth Jones, North Wales Police's road safety manager, said people are still being killed or seriously injured as a "direct result of a selfish minority of motorists who drink and drive despite the warnings".