More than half of drivers failed festive drug tests, says Police Scotland

Police Scotland has said it will crack down on drugged up drivers - as new figures reveal that more than half of roadside tests turned up positive for illegal substances.

There were 4,779 breath tests and 963 drug wipes conducted by police officers.

439 people were above the legal limit for alcohol - and 522 failed the drugs test.

Road Policing and Local Policing officers worked together to target and deter drink and drug drivers.

They did this by carrying out proactive patrols, speaking to drivers and raising awareness in communities, using data to target key areas, responding to information from members of the public and setting up roadside checks.

Over 25,000 drivers were spoken to as part of the campaign.

Road safety partnership work happened at a local and national level, including supporting a Scottish Government marketing campaign and telling the story of road crash survivor Ellen Stickle who was left paralysed by a drug driver.

'You will get caught'

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said: “Police Scotland will keep targeting drink and drug drivers and we know how important this is to the public.

“My message to people thinking about driving after taking drugs or alcohol is you will get caught.

"Our officers are out every day, we will arrest you and that will affect you for the rest of your life. It’s your choice and it can have a devastating impact on other road users.

"It changes people’s lives and it is avoidable.

“Thank you to everyone who supported our campaign and please continue to speak to family and friends to encourage changing the behaviour of drivers.”

The campaign ran from 1 December 2024 until 19 January 2025.

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