INDIVIDUALS from Gwynedd, Denbighshire and Deeside have been among the first to be arrested as part of North Wales Police’s new Christmas anti-drink- and drug-driving campaign.

The month-long “OpLimit” will see the force use intelligence-led tactics and knowledge of hotspots to detect people who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the festive period.

Arrests were made as part of this campaign last weekend in Bangor (three arrests), Betws-y-Coed, Y Felinheli, Dyserth, and Deeside.

Some have already been charged with drink-driving, and will appear before the courts later this month.

A North Wales Police spokesperson said: “We're fully committed to help make the roads safer for all, and we’ll continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others.

“Please heed the warning.”

Police will be using social media, as well as a digital advertising campaign, to reinforce the message of the consequences surrounding drink- or drug-driving.

This will include a digital advert van, which will travel across North Wales on key dates throughout December, and digital billboards in shopping centres in Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Rhyl and Wrexham, as well as the large digital screen in Wrexham which will also carry its messaging for the duration of the campaign.

Sergeant Emma Birrell said: “Having to knock on a door and tell someone their loved one has been killed because a driver made the selfish decision to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence is the worst part of our job.

“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.”

The December 2023 campaign saw 79 arrests across North Wales for drink-driving, with another 90 for drug-driving.