Welsh Police Forces will target people driving and riding under the influence as it continues to increase, despite the dangers it poses to people on the road.

Alcohol is well known to slow reaction times, effect vision, and impair driving. Despite this, 4,752 people were found guilty of drink or drug driving offences in Wales in 2021. That represents a 9% increase on the previous year.

The amount of people driving under the influence of drugs has also gone up. 2,197 of the drink or drug driving offences recorded in 2021 were drug related. This shows a 34% increase from 2020. Whilst an increase in testing and enforcement activity by police forces should be considered, the statistics speak for themselves.

There is no calculation for how much a person can drink and remain under the limit. Your metabolism, age, weight, and other factors can all have an influence. Regardless of any of these factors, alcohol will impair your ability to drive or ride.

Welsh police forces will be conducting co-ordinated enforcement throughout December to target this harmful and unlawful activity.

The penalties for drink or drug driving are the same. A conviction could see you face a minimum 12-month driving ban, up to 6 months in prison, an unlimited fine, an 11-year endorsement on your driving licence, and be left with a criminal record. The maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drugs or drink is life in prison, with a minimum driving ban of five years.

Supt Jolene Mann, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said:

Driving under the influence of drink or drugs puts people on our roads in unnecessary danger. Just one drink can have a negative impact on your ability to drive.

Officers across Wales will be putting a focus on dangerous drivers throughout December, ensuring our communities are protected and people are kept safe.