This winter, police will be targeting drivers who risk their lives and the lives of others by driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Gwent Police will lead the month-long campaign, running to January 1, on behalf of the four Welsh police forces.

Last year in Wales, a total of 30,718 motorists took part in the campaign, with 488 returning either positive results or failing/refusing to take the breath test.

Chief Inspector Ross Evans, of specialist operations for Dyfed Powys Police, said: “This campaign will once again focus on warning drivers that drinking and driving, or drug driving, is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“Drink and drug driving ruins lives all year round, and our efforts to combat it continue throughout the year. If you drink or take drugs and drive you significantly increase the risk of killing or seriously injuring an innocent person, yourself or both. We are asking people to think of the consequences, it’s just not worth the risk.

“I would encourage any members of the public with information relating to anyone whose is drink or drug driving to ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or ring the police on 101.”

Although this is a month-long focused campaign, the drive to change attitudes, increase road safety and catch offenders continues all year round.

Chair of Road Safety Wales Susan Storch said: “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.

“Choosing to drive when impaired by alcohol and/or drugs is dangerous and unacceptable. Drivers should be under no illusion if they get behind the wheel whilst under the influence they not only risk their licence, getting a fine and even a prison sentence, but they are risking lives too.

“Drivers need to be aware that regardless of the time of day they are caught, whether they are going to work or taking children to school, they will face the same penalties as someone who has chosen to drink heavily in a pub and driven at night. Our message is clear, never drive under the influence of drink or drugs, even the morning after.”