DISPOSABLE breath test kits are being distributed to hotels across the region as part of a police campaign to reduce the number of drink-drive related incidents this Christmas.

With the party season now upon us, North Wales Police is working in partnership with a number of hotels who have agreed to distribute the ‘indication only’ kits to guests who want to check for alcohol levels the morning after a night of drinking.

The hotels are spread across what police deem to be ‘hot spot’ areas which include Wrexham, Rhyl, Bangor and Llandudno. Some of the hotels include the Village Hotel in Ewloe and Holt Lodge in Wrexham.

Launching on December 1, the force is preparing for its annual Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign where officers will be using intelligence-led tactics and local knowledge of hotspot areas to detect people who are driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the festive period.

Temporary chief inspector Dave Cust of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Due to the positive feedback the force has previously received regarding these kits, we decided to take a new approach by distributing to local hotels in areas where we usually see an increase in the amount of drink drive arrests.

“We are extremely grateful to all businesses who have agreed to work in partnership with us this year. Many of the hotels we have approached are hosting special party nights so staying guests will be able to test themselves the morning after.

“We are not in any way encouraging people to drink and then breath-test themselves immediately. These kits are specifically for use the morning after as they will give an indication if any alcohol is detected in their system.”

The Drivesafe Express disposable breath test kits are a useful ‘indicator only’ device for anybody who wants to check for alcohol levels the morning after a night of drinking. They will give an indication of high alcohol levels, but won’t necessarily mean that someone is ok to drive if they are showing to be under the stated level.

Any change of colour on the test indicates the presence of alcohol, meaning that a driver may still have sufficient levels of alcohol that could cause their arrest if stopped.

Chief Superintendent Neill Anderson of the Operational Support Services Department, said: “Having to tell someone their loved one has been killed because a driver made the selfish decision to get behind the wheel when under the influence is the worst part of their job.

“There are no words to describe the devastation caused by drink and drug driving and that is why we are so passionate about what we do. As the festive season gets underway we are reminding drivers of the dangers and consequences of getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence.

“Officers will be working 24 hours a day, seven days a week and anyone who is considering driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs should know that we will be out and about waiting for them – please don’t think the rural nature of the region affords you protection because it doesn’t.”

If you suspect someone is driving whilst under the influence, please report it immediately to police on 101 (or 999 if they are posing imminent danger) or phone it through anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.