MOTORISTS across North Wales are being given a helping hand in deciding whether they are fit to drive this Christmas.

Free disposable ‘indication only’ breath test kits are being distributed across the region as part of North Wales Police’s campaign to reduce the number of drink-drive related incidents

Between Saturday December 1 and Thursday 13 North Wales Police have made 29 drink drive arrests and 21 drug drive arrests across the region.

Inspector Dave Cust, of the roads policing unit said: “Research has shown that just one drink can impair someone’s ability to drive and our message is very clear – if you are going to drive, don’t drink any alcohol at all.

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

“Due to the overwhelming positive response we received last year when we first purchased the kits we decided to offer them again this year. Many told us it stopped them from driving the morning after having indicated that alcohol was still present.

“From our point of view if these kits prevent one person from taking a risk the morning after then they’ve done their job.”

The Drivesafe Express disposable breath test kits give an indication only 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.

The free kits are available at Police Station Front Counters in Gwynedd at Bangor - from Mondays to Saturdays from 8:30am to 7pm and Sundays 9am and 6pm - and Caernarfon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9am until 1pm and then from 3pm until 6pm.

Anglesey drivers can pick up a kit at Holyhead station on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 1pm and 3pm until 6pm.

Kits are available in Conwy at Colwyn Bay Rhiw Road on Mondays from 9am until1pm and 3pm to 6pm, and Llandudno on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9am until 1pm and 3pm to 6pm.

In Denbighshire drivers can go to Rhyl station on Mondays to Saturdays 8:30am until 7pm and Sundays 9am to 6pm.

Local authority colleagues have also part-funded the kits and these will also be available at Tesco, Bangor, in Llangefni at the main reception of Isle of Anglesey County Council and Coleg Menai campus.

If you suspect someone is driving while unfit to do so, 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.