Small increase in festive drink-drivers caught

The proportion of drivers stopped by police who were found to be over the limit during the festive period has risen from 2.8 per cent to 3.3 per cent in a year.

Police Scotland’s four-week enforcement campaign saw an average of 610 drivers tested every day, a 15 per cent rise in the number of checks carried out the year before.

Of the almost 19,000 drivers stopped during the 2016/17 festive period campaign, a total of 625 – or 1 in 30 – were over the limit, compared with 1 in 36 – during the same period in 2015/16.

More than nine per cent of those caught drink driving tested between the old and new limits, up on four per cent the previous year.

Of the 625 detected, 46 were caught in the morning having been drinking the night before, up from 13 in 2015/16.

The Police Scotland period of enforcement coincided with a Scottish government awareness campaign to reinforce the message that “the best approach is none”.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “It is hugely disappointing to see a rise in the number of drivers who have flouted the law and put their lives, and the lives of others, at risk over the festive period.

“Of course people should be enjoying time with their loved ones over Christmas and New Year but this isn’t an excuse to ignore the law and get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

“By drink driving, including the morning after, you are not only putting yourselves at risk, but also facing a minimum one year driving ban, a criminal record, points on your licence and a substantial fine. Please remember, the best approach is none.”