Police Scotland’s recent festive crack down on drink driving resulted in a slight increase in the proportion of drivers stopped by police who were found to be over the drink drive limit.

The campaign ran for four weeks from 2nd December to 2nd January, and saw an average of 610 drivers tested every day, a 15% rise over the number of checks carried out the year before.

In total, 625 drivers were found to be over the limit. This amounts to 3.3% of drivers stopped, compared to 2.8% during the previous year’s campaign.

Of the 625 detected, 46 were caught in the morning having been drinking the night before, up from 13 in 2015/16. The ‘morning after’ increase relates to the proportion of drivers stopped and found to be over the alcohol limit between the hours of 6am and 10am.

The Police Scotland period of enforcement coincided with a Scottish Government awareness campaign to reinforce the message that ‘the best approach is none’.

“It is hugely disappointing to see a rise in the number of drivers who have flouted the law and put their lives, and the lives of others, at risk over the festive period,” commented Justice Secretary Michael Matheson.

“By drink driving, including the morning after, you are not only putting yourselves at risk, but also facing a minimum one year driving ban, a criminal record, points on your licence and a substantial fine,” he added. “Please remember, the best approach is none.”

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