POLICE patrols resulted in numerous drug drive arrests, and saw a variety of tickets being issued to drivers and motorcyclists.

During the sweep, under Operation Darwen, by the North Wales Police roads policing unit, between Friday May 11 and Sunday, May 12, drug drive arrests were carried out in Llanfairpwll, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wrexham, Denbigh and Cerrigydrudion.

A man from Blaenau Ffestiniog is awaiting the results of two tests after he was arrested for the same offences a few days previously.

Drivers also had vehicles seized in Wrexham, Llanddulas and Holyhead for insurance and licence offences.

A Lamborghini and Ferrari failed to display number plates and a motorcycle had an illegal number plate and a defective tyre.

Patrols continued throughout the weekend and several drivers and motorcyclists were dealt with for offences including speeding, including doing 40mph and 50mph in a 30mph zone and 90mph and 86mph on the 'EVO Triangle' - a stretch of road which includes the A543 and A5.

There were also seatbelt offences and defective tyres, exhausts and lights. One vehicle had a defective handbrake and others were issued with tickets for having misrepresented or no number plates.

According to a police spokesperson, "one driver landed himself in hot water," after obstructing a GoSafe van on the A470 in Trawsfynydd on Sunday.

Officers were called to assist their GoSafe colleague as the driver had parked his Honda Civic with the boot open in front of the van.

As officers arrived, the vehicle made off but later returned. On examining the car, officers discovered it had a defective tyre and was issued with a TOR (Traffic Offence Report).

Inspector Gareth Jones said: “It has been a busy few weeks for the Roads Policing Unit but thankfully, our teams have not dealt with any fatal or serious collisions this weekend.

“We are pleased that many travelled into and around North Wales safely, however, it is disappointing that our officers had cause to issue several tickets to a minority group of motorists who chose to break the law.

“Speeds of up to 90mph were witnessed on the EVO Triangle which is clearly unacceptable. It is well documented that we patrol that area which has seen its fair share of serious and fatal collisions.

“Several drivers and motorcyclists were dealt with for offences including driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance, defective tyres, seatbelts and number plate offences. These are all things that we regularly remind the public that we will target, with a view to prosecution, all those that commit road traffic offences.”

“Patrols will continue and we would like to remind everybody that staying safe on the road applies to every single one of us, whether we have two or four wheels on our vehicle. I would urge riders and drivers to think about their behaviour and what changes they could make to improve their own safety and that of other road users.”

Officers are also reminding motorists that they can submit dash cam footage of any driving offences they witness on the roads of North Wales as part of All Wales’ Operation Snap.

The operation – which involves members of the public submitting their dash cam footage or photographs as evidence has the full support of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Footage can be submitted via https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/minor-incident-reporting/op-snap-all-wales

Anybody who has information regarding people driving or riding under the influence, or who may be committing any other driving offences are urged to contact North Wales Police on 101 or via the live web chat https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support. Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.