Hundreds of drivers have been taken off the road as part of a zero-tolerance approach to drink-driving in Wales this summer, police have revealed.

More than 100 motorists tested positive or failed to provide a breath test in the clampdown in the Dyfed-Powys Police area. Four forces took part in the month-long campaign in June. Up to 35,347 drivers were breath-tested compared to 12,000 in a similar campaign last year.

A total of 651 drivers across Wales tested positive or failed to provide a sample, compared to 507 last year.

Out of the 3,426 motorists breath-tested in Dyfed-Powys, 119 motorists tested positive or failed to provide a sample. Last year 3,912 motorists were breath-tested in Dyfed-Powys with 122 testing positive or failing to provide a sample.

Susan Storch, road safety officer for Dyfed-Powys Police, said she was pleased the percentage of drink drivers had not risen in Dyfed-Powys, but worried about the number of people over the limit involved in crashes.

She said: “We want to get the message across that drinking alcohol and driving is unacceptable and that it puts other road users’ lives at risk. Even at the legal drink-drive limit a driver is five times more likely to be involved in a collision.

“By working together and breath-testing more drivers . . . the Welsh forces are driving home the message to drivers about their responsibilities and we will continue to do so all year round.”

Wayne Tucker, roads safety officer for South-Wales Police, who helped lead this year’s campaign,  said officers across the country were committed to cutting down on drink driving.

He said: “The number of breath tests shows just how committed we are to tackling drink driving which is reckless and risks lives.

“The message is clear – if you drink and drive, we will catch you. But I am disappointed that 651 people were still caught drink driving and will now face court.

“One man caught driving in the middle of the day, was tested and blew more than three times the legal limit.

“It’s clear that some drivers are recklessly continuing to ignore the message of not drinking and driving, and are continuing to risk lives on our roads, risk jail, risk losing their licence . . . and risk ruining their livelihoods.”

By Anwen Evans