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Scores of North Wales drivers have been arrested this month with a sharp rise in one particular type of offence
Eyebrows were raised when police officers began pulling over drivers next to a crematorium. The operation was carried out as part of an annual Christmas anti-drink and drug drive campaign conducted by North Wales Police (NWP).
By December 17, the force had made almost 100 arrests since the start of the month, including two HGV drivers. Several vehicles have been seized as part of a campaign that is widely supported by the public for ensuring roads are as safe as possible.
However a decision to carry out roadside testing in Bangor, Gwynedd, did not sit well with some people. The NWP Roads Policing Unit began stopping motorists on Saturday morning (December 20) next to the city crematorium and cemetery on Llandegai Road, one of Bangor’s main approaches.
Online, a woman said: “While I completely understand and support the need to do this, I don’t think outside the crematorium is the right place! Getting breathalysed on the way in to pay respects to loved ones in the run-up to Christmas? Not exactly sympathetic.
“I think there are so many more places this could have been done, all with high volumes of traffic in and out of the city.”
Others thought it was the “perfect place” for underlining the perils of drink or drug driving. The road is also straight, with good visibility, and Bangor Crematorium has a large exit lane for vehicles to be pulled over safely. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Another local said: “it’s a safe, convenient place for vehicles to stop on the main route in and out of Bangor. It’s that traffic being targeted not Crematorium users. However, that does not exempt them (crem users) from drink driving laws if they are stupid enough to drink and drive.”
With it being the last Saturday before Christmas, road crimes officers have been out in force across North Wales. By mid afternoon yesterday, more than 600 roadside breath tests had been conducted and one vehicle seized – the driver was not be wearing a seat belt, was uninsured and the MOT had expired.
As of December 17, the majority of offenders snared by Operation Limit were for drugs: across the region, a total of 36 drink drive arrests and 61 drug drive arrests had been made.
Amongst those arrested on suspicion of drink driving was HGV driver Olegs Markusonoks, who was stopped on the A55 near Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire. The 57-year-old Lithuanian national failed his roadside breath test and was later charged with drink driving.
At Llandudno Magistrates Court he pleaded guilty and was disqualified from driving for 12 months, fined £500, ordered to pay £85 costs and a £200 victim surcharge.
Another HGV driver was charged and will appear before Caernarfon Magistrates Court next month. The 34-year-old man was arrested after providing a positive roadside breath test near Rhosneigr, Anglesey.
Drivers arrested on suspicion of drug driving have longer waits as further tests are carried out. They tested positive for either cannabis or cocaine, and two tested positive for both alcohol and drugs.
So far there has been a massive 117.8% increase in the number of drug drive arrests – from 28 to 61 – compared to the same period last year. Of these, cocaine positives have risen 25% from 12 to 15.
Sgt Emma Birrell of the Roads Crime Unit is continuing to urge people to think before they get behind the wheel. She said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving all year round, but our December campaign sees us conducting extensive patrols across the region.
“We’ve carried out several operations in areas such as Llandudno, Bontddu, Menai Bridge, Bangor, Towyn and Queensferry which thankfully, resulted in all drivers providing negative readings.
“Other offences – such driving with no licence, no insurance, no valid MOT and using a mobile phone, were also discovered. So far, we’ve made arrests across all six counties. There really is no hiding place.
“Driving whilst under the influence risks the lives of all road users and I’d like to thank all those who have contacted us so far with information. Your calls really do make a difference.”
People attending Christmas parties and celebrations are being urged to think about their journeys home. Sgt Birrell added: “Either book a taxi or arrange a lift with a family member or friend.
“Alcohol and drugs stay in your system longer, so we’re also reminding drivers that they could still be over the legal alcohol limit the next morning. The message is simple – if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs, don’t drive.” Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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