A POLICE boss has unveiled a plan to increase the number of drug driving tests in a campaign to improve road safety and save lives.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin will reveal his plan to the North Wales Police and Crime Panel on January 31 when he will ask them to back an increase of just under 22p a week in the cost of policing the region.

The crackdown is part his new strategy that would also ramp up the fight against child abuse, domestic violence and cybercrime, while putting more bobbies on the beat - including 10 new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

The proposed 3.68 per cent increase in the element of local council tax payments that funds policing would cost Band D householders an extra £11.25 a year, Mr Dunbobbin says.

According to Mr Dunbobbin, he is honouring the pledges he made in his manifesto during the campaign that led to him being elected last May and “bringing to life” his first Police and Crime plan which sets out the blueprint for policing North Wales.

Among the key proposals is a concerted drive to improve road safety which will see three extra staff supporting the Roads Policing Unit and increase use of roadside drug testing kits due to the increase in drug-related driving.

An additional 10 officers and support staff will help perpetrators of domestic abuse to change their behaviour and reduce re-offending, as well as bringing offenders to justice and safeguarding victims.

The Economic Crime Unit will be bolstered by three more officers and two modern day apprentices to tackle the rising tide of cybercrime, including online fraud.

An extra 10 PCSOs will also be recruited to help reassure elderly and vulnerable people in North Wales.

Mr Dunbobbin said: “The plan I am putting before the North Wales Police and Crime Panel provides the right balance between financial prudence and delivering on the manifesto that was voted for by the electorate.

“My first and overwhelming priority is protecting the public of North Wales and keeping people safe and this is the principle that underpins the proposal to increase the precept by 22p a week.

“For example, too many people are dying or being seriously injured on our roads. “Tackling road safety needs education and awareness raising for all road users, as but I will also ensure that appropriate enforcement is supported so that those that cause the most danger on our roads understand that it will not be tolerated.

“Part of the campaign will involve the increased use of roadside drug testing kits in a major push to reduce the number of people driving under the influence of drugs."