ALMOST 20 people have been arrested on alleged drink and drug driving offences in a police crackdown over the festive season.

Officers have vowed to continue coming down on drink and drug drivers following a number of arrests during the first week of the national Christmas Campaign.

Amongst those arrested is a 16-year-old youth who failed the roadside drugs test when he tested positive for cannabis after he was stopped on his moped in Bangor.

He was taken to police custody and has since been released pending the results of further tests.

Since the campaign launched on Saturday, 1 December, police have made 13 arrests in relation to drink driving and six for drug driving.

The highest drink drive breath test reading of the campaign so far has been 146 – the legal limit is 35. The 24-year-old woman was stopped due to concerns regarding her manner of driving in Mold on Monday, 3 December. She subsequently failed the roadside breath test and was arrested. She has since been charged with drink driving and appeared before Mold Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 18 December.

Inspector Dave Cust from North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit said: “It is disappointing that a small minority of people are still intent on ignoring our messages – despite our repeated warnings. Just a week into the campaign, yet, 19 individuals have already been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Our #ChooseWisely campaign is heavily focussed on asking people to make the right choice, so we will continue to use social media to drive home the messages that drink and drug driving can have devastating consequences.

“We have a robust strategy around enforcing the Fatal 5 offences which includes drink and drug driving and we are fully committed to making the roads safer for all. We will continue to target those who endanger their own lives and the lives of others.

“Anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting.”

Anybody who may have information relating to drink or drug drivers is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101 or via the live web chat. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.