North Wales Police has announced a stepped-up campaign of roadside checks as summer brings warmer weather and bigger crowds. Officers will be out more often, day and night, to catch people driving under the influence of drink or drugs. The force warns that enforcement will be robust and that motorists face serious legal and financial consequences if caught.
Police intensify roadside drink- and drug-driving checks across the region
Patrols from the Roads Crime Unit will increase across North Wales this season. Officers say they will run more stop-and-test operations at busy times and near major events.
There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while impaired, the force says. Targeted patrols aim to make roads safer for everyone.
What penalties offenders can expect
Legal punishments
- Minimum 12-month driving ban for those convicted of drink- or drug-driving.
- The court can impose an unlimited fine.
- Convictions may lead to up to six months in prison in some cases.
Practical and long-term consequences
- Criminal records that affect employment prospects.
- Substantially higher car insurance premiums.
- Possible travel restrictions or visa issues due to the conviction.
Arrests rising: latest enforcement figures
North Wales Police reports an upward trend in arrests for impaired driving. Last year officers made 883 drink-driving arrests.
They also recorded 1,317 drug-driving arrests over the same period. The previous year saw lower totals, with about 838 drink-driving and 1,146 drug-driving arrests.
The force says these figures underline the need for continued vigilance and enforcement.
Why summer months see more incidents — and the ‘morning after’ risk
Warmer weather, sporting fixtures and more social events all raise the chance that people will drink or take drugs then drive.
Officers stress the danger of underestimating how long substances remain in the body. You may appear fine the next day, but traces can linger.
Even the morning after, a driver could still be over the legal limit. That risk is a key focus of the campaign.
Practical steps drivers can take to avoid penalties and crashes
- Plan journeys before drinking or taking any substances.
- Use a designated driver, public transport or a taxi to get home.
- Allow extra time to recover after heavy drinking; do not assume you are safe to drive.
- Be aware that some medications can also impair driving ability.
How the force will find and act against offenders
The Roads Crime Unit says officers are on patrol around the clock. They will prioritise drivers who present the greatest risk to others.
The public is asked to pass on concerns about suspected impaired drivers through the force’s usual reporting channels. Police stress community reports help reduce harm on the roads.
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