More than 230 motorists in Scotland were found to be over the drink-drive limit during Police Scotland’s recent summer drink/drug driving campaign.
Between 24 June and 7 July 2019, officers across the country carried out 3,076 breath tests, with 238 of those showing drivers were over the breath-alcohol limit, which is 22mcg/100ml of breath.
29 of those detected were caught ‘the morning after’, and 27 motorists face forfeiture orders for the removal of their vehicle as a result of their actions.
During the campaign, a man in the Highlands and Islands was arrested following a road traffic collision and blew eight times over the drink-drive limit when he was arrested. A man in Livingston was also found to be more than six times over the drink-drive limit when he was arrested in relation to alleged road traffic offences.
Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, Head of Road Policing for Police Scotland, said: “It beggars belief that despite the continued efforts of road safety agencies that so many drivers in Scotland still aren’t heeding our warnings about the dangers of drinking and driving, or getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs. This selfish, reckless behaviour is a person choice and could cost someone their life. Drivers and motorcyclists who drink or take drugs puts themselves and other road users at grave risk of death or serious injury.
“We are committed to tackling the irresponsible actions of anyone who drives drunk or after taking drugs. Our officers won’t hesitate to carry out the necessary checks on anyone who is thought to be driving under the influence. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure they are fit and safe to drive every time they take control of a motor vehicle. There are no exceptions to these laws.
“One alcoholic drink can put you over the limit in Scotland. It’s simply not worth the risk. If you’re going out, plan how you’ll get home – and bear in mind you may still be unfit to drive the morning after you’ve been drinking. If you don’t, you could be responsible for taking someone’s life and face life-changing consequences.”
Police Scotland is committed to the Scottish Government’s Road Safety Framework and its 2020 casualty reduction targets by tackling the risks associated the ‘Fatal Four’ factors, including drink/drug driving.
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.
