An extra 22p a week will help save lives on roads, crack down on abuse and put more bobbies on the beat, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin has said.

The police boss unveiled his plan to increase the number of drug driving tests in a campaign to improve road safety and save lives.

The crackdown is part of new strategy by North Wales Police and Mr Dunbobbin, who is also ramping up the fight against child abuse, domestic violence and cybercrime, whilst putting more bobbies on the beat - including 10 new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

He revealed his plan to the North Wales Police and Crime Panel yesterday (Monday), when he asked them to back an increase of just under 22p a week in the cost of policing the region. The proposal was given the go-ahead.

Mr Dunbobbin said: “Part of the campaign will involve the increased use of roadside drug testing kits in a major push to reduce the number of people driving under the influence of drugs.

“Criminals and organised crime groups involved in the County Lines drugs trade and Modern Day Slavery use the road network to go about their business, so I will also target those doing so to deny them use of the roads and prevent exploitation of vulnerable people and harm in our communities.

“At the same time I will work with the Chief Constable to increase the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) which is an effective tool in tackling serious and organised crime.

“The campaign to tackle domestic abuse is being strengthened with three additional officers and support staff to work with perpetrators so we can reduce reoffending. Men need to be aware of their behaviour and the impact that has on women.

“Cybercrime is up 50 per cent and continues to be the biggest growing crime in the UK and the rest of the world so I am beefing up our pioneering Economic Crime Unit so that North Wales Police can continue to lead the way in fighting this new menace.

“I am also passionate about strengthening Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams who are the bedrock of North Wales Police.

“As well as providing visibility and reassurance, they are also the source of invaluable intelligence to tackle the most serious and organised criminality.

“In recruiting an additional 10 PCSOs, I am building on the investment of the Welsh Government who have provided funding for another 20 PCSOs in North Wales.

“Our joint commitment is a direct response to the concerns that people have expressed to me and this is massively important in terms of promoting community cohesion, safety and wellbeing, particularly for the most vulnerable people in society.”