News
“All Wales” drink / drug drive campaign results
OVER 9000 breath tests were carried out and over 190 drug wipes administered during an All Wales campaign
Led by Dyfed-Powys Police, the campaign ran from June 10th until July 10th during which time a total of 9,532 breath tests were administered across Wales with 306 of those being positive, refused or fail to provide. 199 roadside tests for drugs were administered with 131 showing positive for drugs.
The offence of drinking alcohol or taking drugs and driving is one of the “fatal 5”; the five offences that can lead to death or serious injury on our roads. The others being careless driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving while on a mobile phone.
Breath tests
Dyfed Powys Police administered 2751 tests of which 68 tests were positive, refused or failed to provide.
Gwent Police carried out 1004 tests with 51 testing positive, refusing or failing to provide.
In the South Wales Police area 1819 tests were conducted with 109 testing positive, refusing or failing to provide.
North Wales Police carried out 3958 tests with 78 testing positive, refusing or failing to provide.
Drug Wipes Administered
Dyfed Powys Police 23 with 11 being positive
Gwent Police 65 with 39 being positive
South Wales Police 51 with 45 being positive
North Wales Police 60 with 36 being positive
Dyfed-Powys Police Assistant Chief Constable, Pam Kelly, said: “This campaign identified a significant number of motorists in Wales who continue to ignore this important legislation around drink and drug driving.
“If you drink or take drugs and drive you will potentially not only ruin your life, but the lives of others. There is absolutely no excuse for drinking or taking drugs and driving and the consequences can be devastating.
“Although this was a month-long focussed campaign, the drive to change attitudes, increase road safety and catch offenders will continue year round.”
Chair of Road Safety Wales, Susan Storch, said: “We were clear in our messages throughout the campaign that drink or drug driving is not acceptable, and will not be tolerated. The police services also made effective use of the new legislation under Section 5a and made some significant arrests during the campaign period.
“Those that selfishly break the law are endangering themselves and, more importantly, other road users. Drink and drug driving ruins lives all year round and we will continue to work closely with the Police in reinforcing these messages throughout the year.”
Anyone with information about people drinking and driving should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Crime
Man arrested after police stop car on Pembroke Dock street
A MAN was arrested after police stopped a car on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Saturday afternoon (Apr 4).
Witnesses said the incident happened at around 5:00pm outside Bargain Booze, when two police vehicles – one marked and one unmarked – pulled over a motorist.
According to one bystander, officers searched the boot of the vehicle and arrested the man straight afterwards.
The same witness said what was suspected to be Class A drugs were found, although that detail has not been confirmed by police.
The man was taken away in a police car, while an officer drove the suspect’s vehicle from the scene.
The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for comment.
Image: File photo
News
Here is an improved version in a cleaner news style:
Students to get wider access to EMA support
MORE students in Pembrokeshire could soon qualify for a £40-a-week education grant as the Welsh Government expands eligibility for the Education Maintenance Allowance.
From September, an extra 1,500 students aged 16 to 18 across Wales will be able to claim the weekly payment, which is designed to help young people stay on in education.
Eluned Morgan MS welcomed the change, saying it would allow more families in Pembrokeshire to benefit from the support.
She said: “Wales already has the most generous EMA offer in the UK. Under a Tory government it was scrapped in England, while Scotland and Northern Ireland offer students less money than in Wales.
“EMA helps young people with costs like books, transport and meals – all things which can affect the cost of living for families.
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their potential, so I am proud that, because of Welsh Labour choices, more students will be supported to do so.”
More than 18,000 students in Wales currently receive EMA, which is available to learners aged 16 to 18 from households below a set income threshold.
The Welsh Government said the latest expansion will mean even more young people can access weekly support from September.
Eluned Morgan said: “The Welsh EMA is breaking down barriers for learners in Pembrokeshire. Everybody deserves an equal opportunity to access education, and providing £40 a week to those eligible is one of the ways in which the Welsh Labour Government is making this a reality.
“Hundreds of learners in Pembrokeshire claim their EMA every year. At £40 a week, Welsh Labour delivers the most generous offer in the UK.
“I know this money makes a real difference for students and their families with the cost of living.
“And, of course, the Welsh Government’s £1 bus fare scheme for young people is helping to make the EMA go even further for families across Pembrokeshire.
“I would urge all 16 to 18-year-olds and their families in the county to take a few minutes to check whether they qualify for support.”
EMA can be used to help with education-related costs including transport, meals and study supplies.
Applications for the new EMA offer open on Monday (Apr 27).
Students and families can check eligibility and apply through Student Finance Wales, or speak to their school or college.
If you want, I can also turn this into a fuller Pembrokeshire Herald article with headline and subheading.
News
Emergency services respond to incident in Haverfordwest town centre
EMERGENCY SERVICES were called to an incident in Haverfordwest town centre on Saturday morning (Apr 4), with police and ambulance crews attending near County Sports.
Pedestrians were asked to avoid part of the area while the incident was being dealt with, causing some disruption in the town centre.
A witness told The Herald they were walking towards Old Bridge when they were stopped from going through.
The witness said: “I was walking towards the Old Bridge and was told that I had to go around due to a medical emergency.”
The nature of the incident has not yet been officially confirmed.
The Herald understands the emergency response remained in place for some time as crews dealt with the situation.
We have contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for comment.
-
News1 day agoAccommodation providers in Wales will be required to register under new law
-
Business4 days agoFishguard to Wexford rail tunnel plan backed by Elon Musk firm
-
Entertainment2 days agoBBC unveils major new Welsh dramas with Tenby set for prime-time spotlight
-
Charity5 days agoRSPCA calls for stronger animal welfare measures as Welsh Labour launches manifesto
-
Community7 days agoResidents return home after major Carmarthenshire fire as probe continues
-
Entertainment2 days agoFrom Milford Haven to the world: The story of The Evolution Experience
-
Crime6 days agoGunshot fired by police during incident in Milford Haven
-
Tourism6 days agoMoving to Australia from the UK: What you need to Kknow








