Police launch festive crackdown on drink and drug driving in North Wales
North Wales Police have launched their annual festive operation to target drink and drug driving, as part of ongoing efforts to keep roads safe during one of the busiest times of the year.
The national month-long #OpLimit campaign begins on Monday, 1 December, with police forces across Wales and the wider UK using intelligence-led tactics and local hotspot data to detect people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
An intensified police presence will operate during peak times, particularly weekends and the mornings after nights out, to catch offenders and deter unsafe driving.
North Wales Police will also use social media and a digital advertising campaign to highlight the consequences of drink and drug driving.
This includes a digital ad van that will travel across the region displaying key safety messages throughout December.
Led by the Roads Crime Unit, officers from across local policing teams, the Armed Policing Unit, and the Special Constabulary will take part in day-and-night operations.
Sergeant Emma Birrell, of North Wales Police’s Roads Crime Unit, said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving all year round, but our December campaign will see us conducting extensive patrols across the region. This includes targeting hotspot areas and conducting intelligence-led stops.
“We are committed to making the roads of North Wales safer for everyone, and we will be relentless in pursuing those who risk lives by making the selfish decision to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
“There are no words to describe the devastation caused by drink and drug driving and that is why we are so passionate about what we do. As the festive season gets underway, not only are we reminding drivers of the dangers but we’re also highlighting the consequences of getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence.”
She said that anyone caught faces a minimum 12- to 18-month driving ban, and urged people to think about the long-term consequences.
“The public are being urged to take a moment and think seriously about how that would affect your life; driving to work or college, childcare arrangements or school runs, socialising and visiting family. The impact of losing your licence is enormous. You could lose your job and your home. Worse still, you could injure or kill yourself or someone else. Drink or drug driving isn’t worth the risk.”
Sergeant Birrell added that rural areas would not be overlooked during the campaign. “Anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting for them – please don’t think the rural nature of the region affords you protection because it doesn’t.
“We target drink and drug drivers throughout the year, and in 2025 so far, we have made 828 arrests for drink driving and 1,217 arrests for drug driving across the region. There really is no hiding place.”
She added: “Our message is simple; if you are out and know you will be drinking, make sure you have plans for getting home safely without driving.
“We are fully committed to making the roads safer for all and we’ll continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others. Don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs — even a very small amount of drugs or alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely. Don’t let your friends and family pay the price.”
Police are encouraging the public to report suspected drink or drug drivers.
Anyone with concerns can contact North Wales Police via the live chat service on the force’s website, by calling 101 (or 999 in an emergency), or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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