News
Wales revealed as safest region for drink driving fatalities in UK
WALES has long been celebrated for its awe-inspiring beauty, attracting visitors from across the globe. Yet, amid the allure of its natural wonders, a remarkable facet of Wales commands our attention – its resolute commitment to road safety. In a compelling revelation, recent analysis by JMW Solicitors has illuminated Wales’ outstanding achievement as the safest region in the United Kingdom in combatting fatal drink driving incidents.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it is all too easy to disregard the shadows cast by reckless conduct on our thoroughfares. Nevertheless, the 27th of July marked a momentous occasion in road safety awareness as the Department for Transport unveiled pivotal data that exposed the intricate landscape of drink driving fatalities throughout the UK. Scrutinized with precision by the experts at JMW Solicitors, this data brought to the fore a heartening chronicle of how Wales, alongside London, the North East, and Scotland, has emerged as a beacon of hope in confronting one of society’s most grievous challenges.
In a nation where every life lost is a poignant reminder of safety’s significance, these four regions have emerged as exemplars of tenacity, collectively accounting for a mere 4% of the total drink driving fatalities recorded in 2021. This revelation underscores the potent impact of concerted endeavours to foster a culture of responsibility and awareness among drivers, riders, and pedestrians alike.
Delving deeper into this narrative, we discover that while Wales stands as a paragon of progress, the path to safety is not uniformly paved across the UK. In eastern England it was disclosed that over 1 in 5 (21%) of all drink driving deaths in 2021 occurred in this region, casting a stark pall over the scenic vistas within.
The West Midlands, the South West, and the South East, though grappling with their own set of challenges, collectively accounted for 12.5% of the 240 lives lost in drink driving incidents in 2021. Amid these shadows, a voice of hope emerges in the persona of Hojol Uddin, Partner in Motoring & Driving Offences at JMW Solicitors. Uddin’s words resonate with optimism, “Drink driving deaths have markedly decreased since records began in 1979, when there were approximately 1,380 fatal collisions, compared to the 240 observed in 2021. The low mortality rate in Wales is a commendable indication that the endeavours to curtail drink driving in the region are yielding results. Nevertheless, it is imperative that these initiatives persist to further diminish the occurrence of fatal collisions.”
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
-
News1 day ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire man jailed after repeatedly punching pregnant wife
-
Top News5 days ago
Police investigate dogs seen persistently chasing sheep on Pembrokeshire airfield
-
News7 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police launches attempted murder investigation
-
News7 days ago
Heroes of the storm: How Council workers rallied during rare red wind warning
-
Top News6 days ago
Milford man dealt ‘persistent’ blows on girlfriend after urinating in flat
-
News6 days ago
Engine room fire caused by loose fuel pipe connection previously flagged
-
News6 days ago
Children seen kicking and ‘egging’ doors near Pembrokeshire train station in early hours