'DON'T RISK IT' Festive Drink Drive Campaign - Figures for Highland and Islands

12th January 2015

New figures from Police Scotland have today (12 January 2015) revealed that there has been a 55% decrease in the number of people caught drink-driving over the festive period.

The new lower drink drive limit of 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath came into force on 5 December 2014, bringing Scotland into line with much of the rest of Europe.

During a four week festive Drink Drive campaign from Road Safety Scotland (part of Transport Scotland) and the Scottish Government, Police Scotland tested 690 drivers on the roads of the Highlands and Islands for alcohol. A total of 19 drivers were caught under the influence this year compared to 42 in the same period last year - around a 55% decrease. Of these 19 drivers, three were stopped between 6am and 10am and found to be over the legal drink-drive limit.

Those caught now face the New Year without a licence, a minimum 20-year criminal record and a fine.

Commenting on the figures, Inspector Angus Stewart from the Highland and Islands Road Policing Unit said:

"The figures for the festive period are very encouraging indeed but the fact remains that even one driver who is out on the roads over the limit has the potential to cause a devastating and often fatal situation - it is disappointing 19 drivers have continued to ignore all warnings, putting pedestrians, other road users and themselves at risk.

"The majority of road users we stop and speak to have been very positive about the lowering of the limit. They have made the necessary changes to their routine to ensure they do not consume alcohol and drive whereas in the past they may have done so.

"We also hear that people are giving more thought to how much alcohol they are consuming the night before if they are due to drive the next day.

"Our message is: do not drink any alcohol if you are driving. If you are out socialising, arrange an alternative mode of transport to get you home safely.

"As part of our enforcement activity we aim to educate drivers, and so far there has been a high level of positive engagement from the outset.

"I would encourage the public to contact us if they have any information regarding potential offenders, by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111"