Police Launch Holiday Crackdown on Drug-Driving: Cannabis Users Among Those Warned to Stay Off Roads

As the festive season approaches, North Wales Police are ramping up efforts to ensure that roads remain safe, with a particular focus on preventing drug-impaired driving. With Christmas celebrations in full swing, officers are heightening patrols and reinforcing their commitment to tackling “Fatal 5” driving offenses, which include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Cannabis users, specifically, are being cautioned about the serious risks and legal consequences of drug-driving, as even small amounts in the system can impair reaction time, focus, and coordination.

The warning comes on the heels of a recent case where Daniel Peter Smith, a 33-year-old from Llandudno Junction, was sentenced to jail after testing positive for cannabis during a traffic stop. Smith was pulled over by a Roads Crime Unit officer in Colwyn Bay for speeding late one evening in February. After a roadside drug test showed he had cannabis in his system, further testing at the police station confirmed his impairment, resulting in his conviction for drug driving.

Police are now doubling down on their message as holiday festivities increase, reminding drivers that they will be actively patrolling around the clock. PC Martin Done, a Roads Crime Unit officer, emphasized the dangers of drug-impaired driving: “Choosing to drive when impaired by drugs is dangerous and unacceptable. Even a small amount in your system can affect your ability to drive safely.”

With cannabis use on the rise, police are vigilant about enforcing drug-driving laws, particularly given the public’s perception of cannabis as a "less risky" drug compared to alcohol. However, police warn that any level of cannabis use can significantly impair driving ability and place lives at risk.

The festive season often sees an increase in cannabis consumption, especially as people celebrate or relax during holiday gatherings. However, police are quick to remind that impaired driving doesn’t only endanger the driver but also poses a threat to passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. As a result, law enforcement across the country is working to identify and stop impaired drivers. Anyone caught drug driving could face immediate arrest, loss of their driving license, hefty fines, or even jail time.

North Wales Police have issued a public request for anyone with concerns about impaired drivers to come forward, stating that any tip-offs about suspected drug or drink drivers can make a significant difference. They encourage citizens to report possible impaired driving anonymously through Crimestoppers or the police non-emergency number, 101.

This holiday season, police are committed to preventing tragic accidents and ensuring that

drivers who might be impaired by cannabis or other substances stay off the roads. Their message to the public is clear: choose a safe, sober ride or face serious consequences. As the Roads Crime Unit continues to patrol 24/7, holiday revelers are encouraged to make smart choices and help keep the roads safe for everyone.

Would stricter enforcement on drug driving make you feel safer on the roads this holiday season?