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Back to News ArchiveDrink Drive Campaign Results
Almost 14,000 motorists in Gwent were breathalysed over the festive period as part of the month-long All Wales Christmas Anti-Drink Drive Campaign.
Irresponsible motorists, risking their own lives and putting the lives of other road users in serious danger, were more likely to be caught this year than ever before as the number of tests more than quadrupled compared with the previous year.
125 drivers failed the test and were taken off the roads in Gwent, equating to less than 1% of the total tested.
National ACPO lead for Roads Policing and Gwent Chief Constable Mick Giannasi said:
"This year Gwent Police tested more drivers than ever before. What these figures show is that if you are driving a car while under the influence you are more likely than ever before to be caught and disqualified.
"The low percentage of positive tests is reassuring and can provide some comfort to the residents of Gwent, however, it is still a major concern that this many people consider themselves above the law and are prepared to put themselves, and others, at risk.
"The end of this particular campaign does not signify the end of our campaign on irresponsible drivers. Our efforts to tackle this behaviour continue 24 hours a day, 365 days a year."
Some of the worst offenders in Gwent included a 20 year old male stopped in the Newport area with a reading of 105 mg who received a 2 year driving ban, 12 month community order, 40 hours unpaid work and a fine, and a 27 year old male stopped in the Ebbw Vale area also with a reading of 105 mg who received a 26 month driving ban, 12 month community order and 100 hours unpaid work.
Caldicot resident, Jon Vickery, one of the motorists who provided a negative breath test as part of the campaign said:
"I think stopping more motorists to do tests is a good thing. It spreads awareness of the ´don´t drink and drive´ message.
"There are so many innocent drivers on our roads but the odd one that isn´t could ruin someone´s life. Once people know that they could be tested at anytime, those who may have taken a chance might not do that now."
Breath Tests In Wales
North Wales Police 10,749
Positive, refused or failed to provide 142
Dyfed-Powys Police 3,943
Positive, refused or failed to provide 177
South Wales Police 7,466
Positive, refused or failed to provide 207
Gwent Police 13,924
Positive, refused or failed to provide 126
Source: North Wales Police, 1 Dec 2008-1 Jan 2009