MORE people were caught drink-driving in the Vale in the lead up to Christmas than the year before.

The number of arrests by South Wales Police for drink driving has increased in December 2023 compared to the previous year in 2022.

The force has been conducting targeted patrols in unmarked and marked police vehicles as part of Operation Limit, a national police operation of intensified action against drink and drug driving.

From December 1 to December 21, arrests for drink-driving arrests have increased by 41 per cent, with a total of 58 people arrested. Drug drive arrests have also increased by 32 per cent, with a total of 57 arrests made compared to the same period in 2022.

Inspector Michael Prickett, Roads Policing Unit said: “There is no way to know how much to drink and stay under the limit since it can depend on your weight, age, metabolism, the amount of food you’ve eaten and other factors.

“If you’re found to be over the drink-drive limit and or driving while impaired by drugs, you can receive a maximum penalty of six months in prison, an unlimited fine and an automatic driving ban of at least one year.”

If a driver kills someone while under the influence of alcohol, they can be charged with causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs (Section 3A of Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended by the Road Traffic Act 1991, section 3.)

It’s an offence to drive with any of the 17 controlled drugs above a specific level in your blood. This includes illegal and legally prescribed drugs. Drugs and driving: the law – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The operation, which sees an increase in the number of breathalyser tests and drug wipes, ended on January 1.

The designated driver scheme, which is running for a second year, is promoting responsible drinking with road safety in mind.

At present, 29 licensed premises across south Wales are offering free draught soft drinks to designated drivers. Read more about the scheme on the South Wales Police website.