During the recent all-Wales summer drink and drive campaign, a total of 872 breath tests were administered in the Dyfed Powys Police force area, 50 of which proved positive. During the campaign, which ran from July 6 - 20, over 50 per cent more motorists were stopped by the four Welsh police forces, compared to the previous summer campaign. However, the figures make disappointing reading; throughout Wales 4,669 motorists were administered a breath test, of which 328 proved positive or failed/refused to provide a sample. This is seven per cent of the total, with no change in this percentage for the last three years. There was also an increase in the number of motorists who proved positive at the scene of a collision. There were 61 road collisions across Wales where alcohol was a known contributory factor. This is an increase of over 40 per cent on the previous year. Mr. Bob Parkes, Dyfed Powys Police road safety officer, said: "We are very disappointed with these results. It is clear that the message of 'Don't Drink and Drive' is not getting through to some motorists. There is mileage in pushing home the message throughout the summer months as the figures are higher during the summer compared to Christmas time, when advertisement and information is a matter of course and everyone knows this is enforced. "Drinking and driving is a fool's game and those who continue to ignore the drinking and driving legislation, endangering themselves and other road users will only have themselves to blame for the consequences. The four Welsh police forces will continue to enforce the law on drinking and driving 365 days of the year."
