More than 2,000 motorists were caught drink driving or driving while under the influence of drugs by Police Scotland in a targeted campaign on known hotspots.
Latest data shows that 2,270 drivers were caught for drink or drug-driving offences – including those failing to provide a specimen – between April and June this year.
The figures represent an increase of 20% or 379 cases compared on the same period last year.
Police Scotland say they are using analysis to identify “optimum times and locations” in a bid to put the brakes on reckless motorists ignoring the “don’t drink or drug-drive” message.
The stats show that every region in Scotland recorded increases with both the east and west of the country having “recorded the highest numbers in the last five years”.
Drink or drug-driving in the west of Scotland increased by 215 cases, while the number of offences in the east rose by 34. In the north there was an increase of 130.
The latest police performance report said: “Since December 2023, the number of offences have been above or close to the upper limit, with May being the highest number of these offences recorded.
“These increases are as a result of our campaign work across the country, as well as analysis which enables us to identify optimum times and locations to increase our effectiveness in keeping Scotland’s roads safer.”
The news follows the latest data from the Department of Transport, which showed deaths on Scottish roads caused by drink drivers had tripled, with 30 people killed by drivers over the legal limit in 2022, compared with ten the previous year.
The total number of casualties was also up by almost half with 310 people injured compared with 210 the previous year.
The Scottish drink drive limit was lowered in December 2014 from 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood to 50mg and in 2019 Scotland introduced a specific offence of drug driving.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan said: “Drugs and alcohol can affect your reactions, judgement and perception of risk. If you choose to drive after taking drugs, that decision can be life-changing for you and the people around you.
“Drugs can affect people’s reasoning and perception of risk but there is no excuse.”
Sloan added: “It’s a choice – if you know someone is going to drive after taking drugs, please speak to them. It could be the difference between life and death.
“If you are concerned about a driver’s behaviour, let us know. We’re asking everyone to take responsibility and help us save lives.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Any injury or death as a result of drink or drug driving is one too many. To the minority of drivers who continue to ignore the law, our message is clear — drink or drug driving is illegal and can ruin lives.
“The Scottish Government is allocating a record £36million to road safety in 2024-25, some of which will be used to deliver national campaigns addressing those behaviours which cause most harm on our roads.
“Many of these campaigns will support Police Scotland activity which seeks to encourage safe road use. The funding also seeks to promote action and investment by local authorities to address local concerns.”
