A NEW anti drink and drug-driving campaign has been launched by North Wales Police for December.

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.

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.

A poster campaign with licensees and secondary schools and colleges is also underway.

Led by the force’s Roads Crime Unit, officers from across all teams will be out day and night, targeting those who are endangering not only their own lives, but those of innocent road users.

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.

“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.

“Anyone caught faces a minimum 12 to-18-month disqualification, and 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. Worst still, you could injure or kill yourself or someone else. Drink or drug driving isn’t worth the risk.

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“Our teams will be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 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.”

Between January and October 2024, North Wales Police made 691 drink-drive and 886 drug-drive arrests.

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

During the same period in 2022, police made 67 drink-drive arrests and 90 drug-drive arrests.