The number of drink-drivers caught in Mid Wales as part of a Christmas crackdown more than doubled that of previous years, new figures have revealed.
Police chiefs today hit out at reckless drivers across the county after a campaign revealed winter drink-driving had soared. The 2008 crackdown saw a massive leap in the number of motorists flouting drink-drive laws compared to Christmas 2007.
Dyfed-Powys police has now warned there will be a serious crackdown on drink-driving as a result.
Across the force’s area 3,943 drivers were stopped and tested for drink. Out of these 177 tested positive or refused a breath test compared to just 86 the previous year.
As part of the screening, 609 tests were administered after accidents with 62 drivers failing or refusing a test.
Figures for Powys reveal that 295 drivers were stopped with 22 testing positive or refusing a test.
Out of those 149 drivers took the test after an accident with 18 failing or refusing to take it.
The crackdown between December 1 and January 1 was part of a campaign involving all four Welsh forces in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly Government.
Many of the tests were carried out in routine checks.
Chief Inspector Steve Matchett, of the Dyfed-Powys roads policing unit, said officers would continue to crackdown on drink-driving.
“It is disappointing that there has been a rise in the percentage of people found to be drinking and driving,” he said
“Although the campaign has concluded we will be continuing to carry out road side checks to ensure that drivers who put others at risk are removed from our roads.”
He urged motorists to be on the look out for drink drivers and report any incidents to the police.
“As residents in our communities we all have a responsibility to prevent criminal behaviour and protect ourselves and others,” he said.
“If you have suspicions of anyone drinking and driving and see them getting into a vehicle please call the police immediately.”
Anyone with information should call Dyfed-Powys police on 0845 3302000.
By Anwen Evans
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