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.
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.
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