Police Scotland to pull over more cars in festive drink driver crack down
The force says driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can destroy lives
Last updated 14 hours ago
Officers across Scotland have told Forth 1 they will be cracking down on drink driving this Christmas - with random roadside checks planned throughout the festive season.
Police Scotland says officers will breathalyse anyone they believe to be under the influence, as well as checking that the car is fit to be on the road.
Drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol will be arrested.
The campaign emphasises that it is "easy" to catch drink and drug-drivers, as almost half of roadside drug tests are positive.
It reminds drivers of the zero-tolerance policy towards drink-driving – the limits in Scotland are so low, driving after just one drink can put you over the limit, so the best approach is none.
If caught, drink or drug-driving, even the morning after, you could face a 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison.
'You made the decision'
Inspector Greg McLaughlan said: "There have been a significant number of collisions on the road this year, and some of those, we can attribute to the influence of drugs or alcohol.
"Those are the ones that are preventable. Those are the ones we can make an impact on.
"If you were to kill someone on the road, you're looking at a criminal record and jail time for that offence.
"That also has a huge impact on that person's family - a loved one that you have killed.
"It can take years for people, or they'll potentially never get over the loss of a loved one from drug or drink driving.
"You've made a decision to jump in the car after drinking alcohol and that death could've been entirely preventable.
"We're appealing to everyone to speak up and be part of this campaign, by having a word if you see someone try to drive after taking drugs or drinking alcohol."
'Common part of our job'
PC Fraser McEwan added: "It can be something as simple as a headlight being out that can cause the driver to be stopped and then a breath test can be conducted.
"Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol is unfortunately quite a common part of our job as road policing officers.
"We see a number of drivers who do decide to take that risk, especially at this time of year, with Christmas parties and whatnot.
"However, it's the other side of the drink and drugs that we see - when those substances create a fatal or serious road collision."
During the operation we joined officers stopped a total of 30 vehicles.
Officers issued three warnings for seatbelt offences, and three VDRS warnings for faulty lights.
Two breath tests were carried out, and both were negative.