Operation Molecule to target drink drivers in Ogmore Valley
Cardiff Blues and Welsh rugby international front row forward Gareth Williams was on hand recently to mark the launch of a police operation in the Ogmore Valley designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drink driving.
The operation, known as Operation Molecule, will run throughout the Six Nations tournament, starting on Friday (February 4th) when Wales kick off against England at the Millennium Stadium. The operation will run through to Saturday 20th March 2011.
Operation Molecule has been planned as a result of neighbourhood officers responding to the requests from the local community to initiate a drink drive operation to run in conjunction with the Six Nations International Rugby Tournament.
Maesteg Neighbourhood Inspector, Ralph Harris said: “There is generally an increase in road traffic collisions and drink driving during the six nations competition and this is an operation designed to educate motorists and to catch any offenders.
“We want to make sure road users can use the roads within the Ogmore Valley and surrounding areas with confidence.”
Offering his backing to the initiative, Gareth Williams said: “I fully back this positive campaign. Drivers should think very carefully before they get behind the wheel. Many don’t realise that alcohol stays in the system for a number of hours, and that they could still be over the limit the next morning when getting in the car to drive to work or drop the children off at school".
“Be safe, rather than sorry. If you are going out and know you will be drinking, organise alternative transport or a designated driver to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves and travel home safely. If you are going to drink - don’t drive.”
Police Constable Sally Thomas, who is running the operation added: “The key objectives are to reduce the number of road traffic collisions on our roads. In order to achieve this we will endeavour to improve road user behaviour, enforce the law and encourage safer motoring thereby keeping our community safe".
“The Operation has been made more effective thanks to the support of our partners in Safer Bridgend who have provided funding for special posters and beer mats which will be distributed to pubs, clubs and restaurants throughout the area. The beer mats have been designed by Year Six pupils from the Ogmore Vale and Nantymoel primary schools.
“The posters will also be distributed to local supermarkets, off licenses, taxi operators, local schools which include sixth form pupils, youth clubs and doctors surgeries".
“High visibility mobile patrols will be made along the A4061 and A4093 that run through Blackmill, Ogmore Vale and Nantymoel.”
School liaison officers will be running lessons for sixth form pupils at Ogmore Comprehensive School regarding alcohol awareness and drink drive offences. Lessons have also been set up at Ogmore Vale and Nantymoel primary schools to focus upon the risks of alcohol and raising awareness.