Police Announce Summer Drink Drugs Driving Campaign

5th June 2012

Police urge drivers not to spoil the party by drinking and driving as summer of events approaches.

Drivers in the Highlands and Islands are being urged not to spoil the party this summer by getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

Today sees the beginning of a two week campaign focusing on drink and drug driving and is being co-ordinated by ACPOS (Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland).

This summer is packed with major events like the Queen's Jubilee, Olympic Games and European Football Championships and police are keen for people to enjoy every moment while not putting themselves and others in danger by driving while impaired through drink or drugs.

The Highlands and Islands also sees one of the busiest periods on the roads for some time, beginning at the end of this week with the Olympic Torch relay, Rockness, the Curtis Cup golf in Nairn and the World Mountain Bike Championships in Fort William. The Belladrum Festival also takes place at the beginning of August.

As in previous campaigns to crack down on drink and drug driving Northern Constabulary officers will use every means at their disposal over the next two weeks to detect drivers who choose to flout the law.

Laura Fisher, Road Safety Officer, said: "During last summer's campaign 25 people were detected during the fortnight long campaign. That figure is completely unacceptable and it is worth remembering that many of those people will still be serving a driving ban this summer."

She added: "We have had a number of incidents in this force area where a person killed or seriously injured was not connected to the driver involved in a drink/drug drive related collision.

"Drink or drug driving is completely selfish behaviour and with the numerous warnings we issue to drivers there really is no excuse.

"We must all work together to reduce the risk and I would ask anyone with information about a drink or drug driver to contact the police or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 where they can remain anonymous."

Laura concluded: "Whether it's enjoying one of the many events over the summer or just a picnic or barbecue at home, we should all be aware that drink or drug driving puts lives at risk.

"Those who are caught risk losing their licence and if they are a repeat offender or give a high reading they could lose their vehicle."

The ACPOS summer drink/drug campaign will run from June 4 until June 18 and will involve all eight Scottish forces using mobile patrols in marked and unmarked vehicles as well as beat officers looking out for offenders and gathering information.

Figures show that one in seven deaths on our roads involve a drink driver and with the cost of a fatal road traffic crash put at £1.9m it is not hard to see the effect that this form of anti-social behaviour has on Scottish society and the economy.

This year's campaign will stress that those who are caught driving with drugs or excess alcohol in their system for a second time will have their vehicles seized and may have them sold or destroyed.

This is in addition to existing penalties which can include a driving ban, substantial fine and even a term of imprisonment.

You can play your part by raising the alarm if you suspect someone of driving after they have taken drugs or excess alcohol. Alert the police by calling your local force or by dialling 999 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.