Drink And Drug Driving Arrests Halve In Cardiff
South Wales Police say the drop in drink and drug driving arrests in Cardiff is down to a surge of testing by the force.
Arrests for drink and drug driving offences in Cardiff have more than halved over the last five years, falling from 1,880 arrests in 2015/16 to 895 in 2019/2020.
Arrests under the category ‘Drive motor vehicle when alcohol level above limit (recordable)’ stood at 1,395 in 2015/16, but had fallen to 696 arrests in 2019/2020.
Arrests of those 17 – 24 also halved, from 499 in 2015/16, to 256 in 2019/2020.
South Wales Police claim that this is not due to decreasing police support or officers, but an increase in testing.
“Thanks to a proactive approach to tackling drink and drug driving, South Wales Police has ensured that a greater number of motorists have been tested. Although the figure for the 2015 summer campaign saw a drop in offenders failing tests on the previous year, the overall annual figure increased year-on-year.”
South Wales Police went on to warn people about the dangers of drink driving, saying “people must understand the life-changing consequences of getting behind the wheel when they have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Not only do they run the risk of killing or seriously injuring themselves, their passengers and other innocent road users but their conviction may also result in losing their driving licence and their job.
“If caught drink or drug driving, you are looking at facing an appearance in court, a ban from driving, a fine of up to £5,000 and a possible prison sentence.”
Media literacy charity The Student View made the findings following a Freedom of Information request.