Police officers covering Mid Wales made 85 drink drive and 11 drug drive arrests during December, as part of a festive crack down.

This followed 1,419 breath tests carried out by Dyfed-Powys Police as part of its Christmas campaign.

Across Wales over 500 arrests were made for drink or drug driving.

Led by North Wales Police, the month-long campaign, which ran from December 1, 2018 until January 1, 2019, saw 368 drink drive and 179 drug drive arrests being made across Wales.

Chief Insp Mike Melly, Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Whilst drink or drug driving has become socially unacceptable there is still a minority of drivers who offend in this way. We use various methods to identify drivers who break the law, including intelligence-led operations and targeted patrols.

"The proportional difference between the number of people being stopped and the number of positive breath tests, shows that this approach is successful. We will continue to target any drivers who drive while under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances."

Teresa Ciano, chair of Road Safety Wales said: “The majority of people are completely aware that using a vehicle after drinking alcohol or taking drugs is dangerous and most thankfully make alternative arrangements to travel. Unfortunately, some people are still willing to put themselves or innocent road users at risk and only really learn the consequences of their actions if they’re caught by the police or are involved in a life-changing collision.

“We’d like to remind people that it makes no difference if you drink cocktails in a sophisticated wine bar with friends or cheap beer at home on your own; if you drive after consuming alcohol the penalties are the same. Please don't risk getting a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, a large fine or up to six months in prison for the sake of a taxi or bus fare home.”

Supt Jane Banham of the North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit said: “More than 500 drivers had a Christmas and New Year to remember for all the wrong reasons - after being arrested by police across Wales for drink and drug driving.

“It is disappointing that people are still prepared to take the risk and get behind the wheel whilst under the influence. A notable difference for us in North Wales during this campaign is that there have been more drivers who have tested positive for drugs than alcohol. Whilst this is a concern, it is a reflection of our ability to carry out roadside tests for cannabis and cocaine.

“I don’t think people are quite grasping the full extent of the danger drug-driving poses. Those that do take the risks clearly don't think about the families of those people who have died at the hands of a driver who is high on drugs or drunk. Our officers are often the first ones on the scene of these types of collisions and some of the things they have seen are horrific. Nobody should ever have to witness that or have to suffer due to the irresponsible unlawful actions of another.”

Supt Banham added: “Our officers work 24 hours a day, seven days a week and anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence 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. We will continue to crack down on those who take this unnecessary risk and bring them before the courts.”