Hundreds caught in drink-drive campaign

The force said it carried out 11,075 breath tests during last year's month-long anti-alcohol campaign, with 200 drivers failing or refusing to provide breath tests.

Launching this year's campaign Susan Storch, the force's road safety officer, said too many people in Powys were still prepared to take the risk of drink driving.

She said: "No-one should be in any doubt that alcohol, in any amount, will have a detrimental effect on driving ability.

"Road Safety Wales partners are committed to educating people about the consequences of impairment, and fully support the police during this seasonal campaign and throughout the year."

She added: "During the 2012 Christmas campaign over 500 drivers in Wales were caught over the drink-drive limit after 35,493 breath tests.

"North Wales Police carried out 18,780 breath tests – double the amount carried out during the 2011 Christmas campaign with 107 of those being positive. In Dyfed Powys a total of 11,075 breath tests were carried out and 200 were positive, refused or failed to provide.

"Over the next four weeks, thousands of motorists face being stopped as teams from the four forces – North Wales, Dyfed Powys, South Wales and Gwent – conduct road checks at various locations across the country."

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: "If you drink and drive you significantly increase the risk of killing an innocent person, or yourself or both. It is really that simple."

He added: "Drink-driving is not just about Christmas. It ruins lives all year round. Perpetual drink-drivers will choose to drink and drive any day of the year so we need support from the public 365 days a year to help us take these people off the roads of Wales.

"Please don't drink and drive. Think about the consequences. You could face losing your licence and your job, face imprisonment and, much worse, have to live with the guilt of taking a life for the rest of yours. Don't take the risk."

If you have information relating to someone you think is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency dial 999.