With the party season approaching, police officers in Wales are reminding people who are looking forward to a night out not to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or consuming drugs.

The month-long operation against driving under the influence begins today, Monday, 1 December, sees officers across the country will be using intelligence-led tactics and local knowledge of hotspots to detect people who are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the festive period.

Sergeant Emma Birrell of North Wales Police’ Roads Crime Unit, said: “Anyone caught faces a minimum 12-month disqualification, and the public are being urged to take a moment and think seriously about how that would affect their life; driving to work or college, childcare arrangements or school runs, socialising and visiting family.

“The impact of losing your driving 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 or riding isn’t worth the risk.”

Rhys John-Howes, Chair of Road Safety Wales, added: “Through education, training and publicity initiatives throughout Wales, partners in Road Safety Wales strive to remind road users of the risks and consequences.

“Unfortunately, despite education and warnings, too many drivers are prepared to risk driving or riding whilst impaired by drink or drugs.

“Road Safety Wales is committed to reducing the number of road casualties caused by irresponsible behaviour and will continue to support our Police colleagues during this campaign and throughout the year.

“Drivers who choose to flout the law should realise that there is a strong chance that they will be detected and prosecuted and that the penalties will be severe.”

Every year, families are left deal with the devastating effects of losing a loved one because of a small minority who choose to drink or take drugs and then drive - something which is entirely avoidable.

Drink and drug driving is selfish and inexcusable. If you have consumed alcohol or used drugs, don’t drive.

The Police take action against drink and drug-drivers every day of the year. Anybody who has concerns about someone they believe to be driving whilst under the influence are asked to contact police via 101 (or 999 if they are posing an imminent danger) or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.