A total of 195 drivers were detected for drink/drug offences during Police Scotland’s latest campaign.4,500 people were tested during the two week period from 29 June until 13 July.
Of the 195 found over the limit, 10 of these drivers were caught ‘the morning after’, and 17 drivers were between the old and new limit. Eight drivers were found to have previous convictions for drink/drug driving and may now face having the Court order the forfeiture of their motor vehicle.
In Lothian and the Scottish Borders a driver was detected under the influence of drugs whilst attending a sporting event (The Scottish Open). He was also found in possession of a significant quantity of controlled drugs.
During the campaign, officers in Ayrshire stopped a vehicle and found the driver was over the limit, disqualified for a previous drink driving offence, had no insurance and was found in possession of controlled drugs. Drivers with such disregard for the law are the most dangerous of road users who care little for their safety or the safety of others.
Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, Head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “The high number of drivers detected remains a great concern – one person over the limit is one too many. Drink/drug drivers are making very bad decisions, putting themselves, their passengers and other road users at grave risk when the options of abstinence or alternative travel arrangements are always available.
“These results, particularly those drivers caught ‘the morning after’ highlight that the physical effects of alcohol take time to wear off. A conviction for drink/drug driving and loss of licence can have serious consequences for a driver’s working and personal lives. A conviction for causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink/drugs will change lives forever. Don’t risk it, it’s not worth it
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
