15% rise in drink driving in Scotland over the festive season

A driver who plunged a housing estate into darkness when his car veered off the road and crash into a lamp post while six times over the legal limit was among 722 caught drink or drug driving over Christmas and New Year.

The number of positive tests was up as Police Scotland release the results of its annual festival crackdown which ran between 1st December 2022 and 2nd January 2023.

A 51-year-old man involved in the incident in Stirling pleaded guilty in court after blowing a roadside breath test of 139 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the limit in Scotland is 22microgrammes.

Driver dumps car then staggers away

In another incident, also involving a 51-year-old man, the motorist abandoned his car in Inverness city centre.

After being tracked down using CCTV images he failed a breath test which was recorded more than 7 times over the limit.

Also in Inverness, officers were tipped off about a suspected drunk driver by his employers after he turned up for work looking worse for wear.

The 49-year-old was pulled over in his vehicle and failed a breath test which was more than 5 times over the limit.

Big increase in positive tests

During the campaign 722 drink drug driving offences were detected compared to 628 detections during the last Festive campaign.

Police Scotland officers carried out 3049 roadside tests.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said “Once again we are disappointed that people continue to take the risk of driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.”

“Our campaign was very much intelligence led with a number of offenders reported to us by colleagues, friends or family. I would encourage you to continue to report concerning driving behaviour to us.

“Throughout the year our officers will continue to relentlessly target those who selfishly put others at risk by driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.”

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• Police Scotland
• Road Safety