CRACKING down on drivers under the influence remains a priority, a police inspector has said.

Inspector Steve Owens, of the South Flintshire policing team said this is the time of year where North Wales Police will see an increase in incidents in the run up to Christmas.

He told the Leader: "Most drug drivers are cannabis users and because cannabis stays in the system much longer, they will be caught. They will provide positive readings for a long time after.

"It remains a priority for local policing and road policing staff. We get significant intelligence and we will be utilising that Anyone aware of anyone believed to be under the influence and driving, we are happy to develop that intelligence."

In seven days, almost 20 motorists were caught by police for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Ten of these were in Flintshire (seven in Flintshire North and three in Flintshire South) and 19 in Wrexham.

Inspector Owens said: "That's not a high figure at the moment but it's still nearly three a day.

"This is where we start to see a build up of incidents in the run up to Christmas.

"It's unbelievable. The consequences of not having your license or having it evoked for a minimum of 12 months is significant.

"If you need your car to get to work then chances are you will lose your job and if you lose your job you can't pay for your house. There are loads of social impacts as a result of that."

Police officers have the power to stop any vehicle on a public road under Section 163 of the Road Traffic Act.

The Inspector added: "Perhaps there needs to be more awareness. Maybe police, heath and partners need to make more people aware of the consequences of taking drugs and driving and the consequences of being caught.

"We can stop any car on the road. The road traffic act allows police to stop any car, without having a reason and following that, having engaged in conversation the grounds will -present themselves to justify a drug sweep.

"There's a misinterpretation we need a reason to stop a car on a public road."