Merthyr Tydfil Tops Drink Drive List

12.00.00am GMT Mon 13th Dec 2004

People in Merthyr should watch out for drink drivers this Christmas. That was the message this week from local Liberal Democrats.

Their views come in the wake of new research that reveals Merthyr to be the drink drive capital of Wales.

Statistics released by the National Assembly show that 5.5% of drivers involved in accidents in the town were over the alcohol limit, the highest figure in Wales. This compares to the national average of 3.5%.

Local AM and leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the Assembly, Mike German, said: "The fact that Merthyr has the highest drink drive rate in Wales is disturbing.

"As we go in to the Christmas period I hope that all will remember the very real dangers of drinking and driving. Each year we hear horror stories of accidents that have affected lives, just because people do not think about how much they are drinking. I hope this year will be different."

Local Lib Dem campaigner, Ceirion Rees said: "The vast majority of people in Merthyr know the law and know the limit. It's a shame that a small majority bring the name of the town down.

"I hope next time statistics like this are revealed, Merthyr will not even register, never mind top the list."