A POLICE inspector has branded drink driving as 'ridiculous' and 'absurd' after hundreds were caught on North Wales roads.

Inspector Steve Owens, of the South Flintshire policing team, told the Leader that since April 1, over 600 drivers have been caught over the legal alcohol limit across the region.

About 64 motorists were caught in Flintshire South and 45 across Flintshire North over the past four months.

Inspector Owens said: "It's an ongoing initiative that we are actively pursuing.

"These figures would suggest that people aren't taking heed of the advice and not only getting themselves banned from driving for a minimum of 12 months, but there will be other implications.

"If they rely on a vehicle for work, their jobs are at risk and if they can't work that has a knock on effect for the rest of their lives. But, people are still prepared to take that risk. Why?"

During just one week in August (9-16), there had been 23 recorded incidents across the whole of North Wales, six of which were across the Flintshire area.

Inspector Owens added: "It's absurd and absolutely unacceptable

"The numbers that are coming through, it's ridiculous. Considering the penalty, whether people believe there's less chance of getting stopped and they think they can get away with it, who knows?

"It's hard to fathom their thinking.

"It's a significant priority that we are maintaining."

The Leader has previously reported concerns over an increase in drink driving during the summer months, however the Inspector has said it is a priority for the force all year round.

He told the Leader that his officers will do all they can to target the issue and urges people to think before they get behind the wheel after a drink.

Over the past seven days, the highest recording in Flintshire South was 155mg, almost five times the legal limit of 35.

Being caught whilst driving under the influence of alcohol can result in imprisonment, a fine and a driving ban for at least one year.

Mr Owens said drink driving is an issue across the region and the force will continue to crack down on the initiative.

Since April 1 to August 16, Wrexham County has had 121 drink and drug driving related occurrences. In just one week in August (9-16) they have recorded seven occurrences.