Gwent Police arrested 100 people on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as part of the force’s Christmas road safety campaign according to figures released this week.

Officers from Gwent Police joined forces across Wales and the wider UK, in conducting intelligence-led vehicle checks on roads within the force area between 1 December 2021 and 1 January 2022.

In Gwent, 51 people were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and 49 people were arrested on suspicion of drug-driving. Across Wales saw 299 arrests for drink-driving, with another 202 for drug-driving. Almost 100 of those arrests - 85 drink-drive and 14 drug-drive - came following road traffic collisions.

Chief Inspector Martyn Smith of Gwent Police’s Road policing and specialist operations unit, said: “Our message is clear; please don’t risk your life and the lives of other road users by driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is never acceptable. We want to remind motorists our drink and drug-drive enforcement takes place all year, not just at Christmas.’’

Any motorist caught driving under the influence or driving dangerously will be prosecuted.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring the safety of other road users. I would urge all motorists to drive carefully, responsibly and within the limits of the law and to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained at all times.”

Police take action against drink and drug-drivers every day of the year. Anybody who has concerns about someone they believe to be driving under the influence are asked to contact police on 101 (or 999 if they are posing an imminent danger) or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.