FOI 512/25

REQUEST 

1. How many cases were investigated by South Wales Roads Policing where there was evidence of the driver being under the influence of drink and/or drugs in a fatal road traffic collision which couldn't be charged with more than Section 5 Road Traffic Act 1988 because of the lack of evidence of careless driving.

Section 3A Road Traffic Act 1988

2. How many cases were investigated by South Wales Roads Policing where the driver was driving without a licence and/or insurance in a fatal road traffic collision which couldn't be charged for with more than the summary offences of no licence/insurance because of the lack of evidence of careless driving.

Section 3ZB Road Traffic Act 1988

The date range for 1. and 2. is requested for calendar years from:

2017 to the end of 2024

RESPONSE

Question 1

A search has been conducted for all crimes that received an outcome between 1^st January 2017 and 31^st December 2024 that were recorded under the following Home Office (HO) offence codes.

HO codes:

004/06: Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs

004/13: Cause death by driving without due care / consideration while over prescribed limit - specified controlled drug.

All results received the outcome type ’01: Charged/summonsed’ and therefore no results were returned where there were evidential difficulties.

Question 2

Another search has been conducted for all crimes received an outcome between 1^st January 2017 and 31^st December 2024 that were recorded under the HO code, ‘004/09: Causing Death by Driving: Unlicensed, or Uninsured Drivers’.

This search returned 0 results.

Thanks to a proactive approach to tackling Drink and Drug driving, South Wales Police has ensured that a greater number of motorists have been tested; however, people must understand the life-changing consequences of getting behind the wheel when they have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Not only do they run the risk of killing or seriously injuring themselves, their passengers and other innocent road users but their conviction may also result in losing their driving licence and their job. 

If caught drink or drug driving, you are looking at facing an appearance in court, a ban from driving, a fine of up to £5,000 and a possible prison sentence.  

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, we urge you to report it to the police immediately, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.