Latest news with #CarolineMullen-Hurst
Leader Live
06-08-2025
- Automotive
- Leader Live
Over 500 crashes reported in North Wales in past year
Figures obtained by Accident Claims Advice, via the Welsh Government, found that there have been 522 road traffic collisions in the region during that time. Many deaths and serious injuries on the road are preventable tragedies, and yet, on average, five people die every day on the road in the UK, and 80 are seriously injured. According to provisional data released by the Department for Transport (DfT), the UK experienced a 12% rise in reported road traffic accidents in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Fatal accidents saw a 7% increase, while serious injuries climbed by 15%. Factors such as post-pandemic increases in road usage, adverse weather patterns, and distracted driving are cited as primary contributors to this alarming trend. Over the past year, North Wales Police have logged 522 collisions across their area. The most road traffic collisions occurred in Flintshire, with 123 incidents, followed by Wrexham, which saw 96 take place. There were a further 90 in Denbighshire, 86 in Anglesey and Gwynedd and 79 in Conwy. Accident Claims Advice also obtained figures on casualties resulting from collisions logged by North Wales Police, as well as their severity, over the past year. In total, there were 17 fatal casualties, 196 serious casualties and 309 slight casualties. Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst, of North Wales Police' Operational Support Services said: 'Far too often we see the devastating and life changing impact of serious and fatal road traffic collisions. Lives are changed in an instant because of a wrong decision, or a moment's inattention as a road user." She added: 'As drivers we all have a part to play in making our roads safer for everyone. 'We regularly analyse data around key collision locations across North Wales to ensure our resources are targeting hotspot areas. 'This includes having a robust strategy around enforcing the 'Fatal 5' offences, which are speeding, drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, failing to wear a seat belt and using a mobile phone whilst driving. 'Every day, officers across various departments, from the Roads Crime Unit to our Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the Special Constabulary undertake prevention and intervention activities on our roads. This is in addition to routine roads policing 365 days a year. READ MORE 'We also run an annual Operation Apex campaign aimed at reducing the risk of motorcycle-related deaths and serious injuries on the roads. 'It runs from early spring through until the autumn, which covers a period that sees the highest number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured. The campaign sees high visibility patrols being carried out along key routes which have been identified as risk areas, as well as engaging with riders at popular biker meeting spots.' If you have concerns or information regarding individuals who are believed to be committing a 'Fatal 5' offence whilst driving, contact North Wales Police via the website, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
North Wales Live
17-05-2025
- North Wales Live
Relief as men missing in North Wales found safe and well
Two missing men called Edward have been found within 24 hours of eachother. One, declared missing in the Prestatyn area, was located on Friday, May 16. The other, a 39-year-old man, had been missing in the Denbighshire area for 11 days. North Wales Police (NWP) this morning confirmed that he too had been found and was safe and well. Multi-agency searches were launched for 39-year-old Edward when his white Ford Fiesta was found in Llanbedr DC on Monday (May 12). He was last seen having left the Premier Stores in Denbigh on Friday, May 9, at 10.45am. Police began focusing on the Moel Famau and the Clwydian Range areas of Denbighshire. Pleading for his safe return, his worried family issued a statement asking people to keep their eyes peeled. They said he usually carries a backpack when exploring and may have taken his mountain bike and possibly a tent. NWP Chief Insp Caroline Mullen-Hurst confirmed that Edward, from the Denbigh area, was located this morning (Saturday, May 17). She added: 'I would like to thank all the agencies and members of the public that have assisted in the search for Edwards over the past week.' News that he had been found brought widespread relief within the wider community. 'Glad he is back with his loved ones safe and well,' said one woman online. 'The relief his family/loved ones must be feeling right now. Well done to everyone who took part in the ongoing search day and night over the past week.' Police also thanked the public for their help in finding the other Edward, an older man from the Prestatyn area.
