THOUSANDS OF motorists have been stopped on Mid Wales roads as part of a summer drink-drive campaign, police revealed today.

It has led to almost 100 drivers being taken off the region’s roads as part of a zero-tolerance approach. Dyfed Powys Police tested 4,788 people during the crackdown, with 99 testing positive or failing to provide a sample.

The figure, 2.1 per cent, is slightly above the Welsh average of two per cent and has lead to temporary Chief Inspector Ian Thomas saying the force will try to educate more drivers on the affects of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

He said: “While drink driving has become socially unacceptable there is still a small group of drivers who offend in this way.

Target

“We will continue to target any drivers who drive while under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. “Highlighting the issues around drink or drug driving is paramount and we will continue to work with our road safety partners in educating drivers.”

Across Wales, 513 people tested positive or failed to provide a test from the 25,714 asked, compared to the 651 from 35,347 asked last year.

This summer’s campaign saw forces use various methods to identify drivers who break the law, including intelligence-led operations, encouraging the public to report drivers they suspect of drink driving or intending to drink drive, and inviting passing motorists to voluntarily take part in the campaign by stopping them at the roadside.

Mr Thomas added: “The message is simple. If people drink and drive, they are likely to get caught.

“If that happens they will, they will be treated like criminals, arrested, prosecuted, will lose their licence, and could lose their job and, in some cases, they could even go to prison.”

Mick Giannasi, chief constable of Gwent Police, led the All-Wales campaign and said he wanted to make Welsh roads safer.

He said: “We are committed to making Welsh roads as safe as possible and one of the most effective ways of doing that is through our relentless focus on drinking and driving.”

By Andrew Morris