WELSH police forces have launched a month-long crack down to reduce the number of drink and drug drivers following a UK-wide increase.

So far this year, from January 1 until May 32, North Wales Police have made 352 drink drive and 304 drug drive arrests

During 2017, they made 882 drink drive arrests and 600 drug drive arrests.

In Wales, since March 2015, when there were changes to the laws around drug driving, the number of drivers caught under the influence of drugs increased by 65%.

According to the Department for Transport there has been a six-fold increase in the number of people caught drug-driving across the UK.

However, in the last 50 years, road casualties caused by drink driving has fallen dramatically due to change in attitudes regarding drink driving and improvements in technology and police processes

To combat the problem, four Welsh forces have today (Thursday) started a month-long campaign aimed at reducing the number of drivers putting themselves and others at risk.

Led by South Wales Police, it will see increased resources on the roads across Wales.

Superintendent Jane Banham of the Roads Policing Unit said: "Driving under the influence is a crime with the potential of causing serious injury or death.

"As part of the campaign, officers will be stepping up their patrols, using a range of tactics and intelligence to take action against anyone who breaks the law.

"Using the latest technology, police forces are better equipped than ever before to detect someone they expect of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"We hope to shine a light on the true impact of driving under the influence."

Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said: "It is hugely disappointing that campaigns such this are still needed. However, as there are still far too many lives shattered by substance and alcohol impaired driving every year in Wales, it’s clear they still are.

"The dangers drivers face, and pose to others, increase tremendously if they get behind the wheel of a car when under the influence of drink or drugs.

"The annual All Wales Summer Drink Drug Drive Campaign is invaluable in continuing to educate all motorists on the very real risks they run if they make that decision.

"I would like to thank our police, fire and rescue and ambulance service who so often have to deal first hand with the preventable consequences of drink and drug driving and would again urge road users across Wales to plan their journeys ahead and act responsibly to ensure that everyone who shares our roads can do so safely."

Superintendent Banham added: "The sole reason we carry out these campaigns is to help keep people safe on the roads, and I would like to encourage anybody who may have concerns about those driving under the influence to contact us - they could possibly save a life.

"Driving whilst under the influence has significant impact on people; the devastation caused to families following a fatal collision can be immeasurable.

"Although this is a seasonal campaign our work to tackle drink and drug drivers happens 365 days a year – during 2017 North Wales Police made 882 drink drive arrests and 600 drug drive arrests. Please heed the warning."

If you have information relating to someone you think is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact North Wales Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.