Police issue drink-drive warning

 Following the results of the all Wales Christmas Drink Drive Campaign 2010, which saw the four Welsh police forces stop and breathalyse more than 40,000 drivers; police in Powys are asking motorists to continue the momentum and understand the associated dangers.

 

The call comes after the stop and arrest of eight individuals from across the county driving while over the legal limit in the first three weeks of January.

 

Dyfed-Powys Mid-Wales Policing Unit Inspector Mark Davies said: “The December figures were very encouraging so it is disappointing that the good-sense momentum had been lost. I want motorists to be aware that our Police officers will always target drink drivers. If you break the law and drive over the limit you not only run the risk of disqualification and a criminal prosecution, but you risk your own life as well as the lives of other road users.

 

“We are committed to doing everything we can to make the roads of Powys safer. However, we cannot work in isolation. We need the support of the public to be able to make a real impact. I urge everyone to play their part – drink drive limits cannot be calculated and the only safe way is for you not to drink and drive.

 

“I would also urge people to report motorists they believe are drinking and driving. Unfortunately, there are a minority who think they are above the law or who may take a chance by getting behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. As residents in our communities we all have a responsibility to prevent criminal behaviour and protect ourselves and others.”

  

The legal limit for alcohol when driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, or 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, if a breath test is used.

 

However this can’t be measured in how many units a person has drunk because everyone deals with the impact of alcohol at different rates – it can vary on an individual basis. To be on the safe side, people who plan to drive should not drink any alcohol.

 

If you have suspicions of anyone drinking and driving and see them getting into a vehicle please call the police immediately on 101. If you know of someone who regularly breaks the law by drinking and driving call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.