North-East Festive Drink Driving Down 23%

52 people were caught over the limit in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen over Christmas.

Published 14th Jan 2015

The number of people caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen has fallen by 23% over the festive period.

A total of 52 people caught, compared to 68 for the same period last year.

The reduction in drink-drive offences has been welcomed however Police Scotland is still highlighting the importance of not driving too soon the morning after consuming alcohol.

Out of the 19 people caught drink driving in Aberdeenshire and Moray, four of these were individuals who had been stopped between 6am and 10am and were found to still be over the legal drink-drive limit.

The new lower drink drive limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood came into force on 5 December 2014.

Chief Inspector Louise Blakelock said: "The reduction in the number of people drink-driving is positive and it seems that people are paying attention to the message that it is not worth the risk of drinking and driving.

"Our enforcement and education about drink driving will continue throughout the year and we will continue to remind people of the dangers of drinking and driving. You put yourself at risk as well as other innocent road users.

"Remember also that it is quite possible you will still be over the drink drive limit the morning after a night out."