December drink and drug drive arrests rise across North Wales
More than 200 motorists were arrested for drink or drug driving across North Wales during December as part of a Christmas road safety campaign.
North Wales Police said 203 arrests were made between 1 December 2025 and 1 January 2026 during Operation Limit, the annual national campaign aimed at reducing fatal and serious road traffic collisions.
Of those arrested, 74 were for drink driving and 129 for drug driving.
The total represents an increase of 12.77 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Police analysis shows drink drive arrests were most common on Saturdays and Sundays, while drug drive arrests peaked on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Sergeant Emma Birrell, from the force’s Roads Crime Unit, said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving all year round, but our December campaign saw us conducting extensive patrols across the region. This included targeting hot spot areas and conducting intelligence-led stops.
“However – despite our regular updates and constant warnings around the dangers and consequences of drink and drug-driving, it is extremely disappointing that too many people are still prepared to put their lives and those of other road users at risk.
“Our work doesn’t stop just because Christmas is over. Our efforts to make sure people are safe behind the wheel in north Wales continues 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There really is no hiding place.
“The consequences and penalties for drink and drug driving are severe – not only the risk of death and serious injury, but they also include driving disqualifications, fines, criminal convictions and even imprisonment. And they don’t just affect the driver, they can have a lasting impact on family, employment and future opportunities. Drink and drug driving ruins the lives of individuals and communities, and it is completely avoidable.
“We will use all resources necessary to prioritise road safety for all and reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads, but we’d ask the public to help us do this by challenging anyone you think may be about to drive having had alcohol or used drugs.”
Police said the operation also led to drivers being stopped for offences including driving without a licence, driving without insurance, no MOT and using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
During last year’s Operation Limit, between 1 December 2024 and 1 January 2025, police made 69 drink drive and 111 drug drive arrests.
Across the whole of 2025, there were 883 drink drive arrests and 1,317 drug drive arrests in North Wales, compared with 838 drink drive and 1,146 drug drive arrests in 2024.
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