More drivers in Scotland are being caught driving while over the drink drive limit so far this summer compared with last year, according to the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland have released Police Scotland statistics which show one in 40 drivers stopped in the past fortnight were over the legal drink drive limit. The figure applies to drivers stopped and breathalysed between 29 May – 12 June, the first two weeks of Scotland’s 2015 summer drink drive campaign.
This is an increase compared with 2014, when one driver in every 55 stopped was found to be over the limit.
Using the strapline ‘Don’t spoil summer’, the public awareness campaign reminds drivers that getting behind the wheel after even one drink isn’t worth the risk or the consequences. It is running in parallel with Police Scotland’s summer safety enforcement campaign.
Michael Matheson, the cabinet secretary for justice, said: “Police breath tests show one in 40 stopped drivers is over the legal limit. That kind of reckless behaviour cannot be tolerated in Scotland – it puts everyone involved in danger.”
Chief superintendent Iain Murray, head of road policing at Police Scotland, said: “These statistics are a timely reminder that drinking and driving is not just something that happens at Christmas and targeting those who continue to put themselves and others needlessly at risk in this way is a year-round priority for the police.
"Scotland’s new drink driving limit means just one drink may be enough to fail a breath test and every day in Scotland more drivers than ever before are being stopped by road policing officers and the risk of being caught has therefore never been higher.”
Michael McDonnell, director of Road Safety Scotland, said: “Even if you’re just over the limit, you’re still a drunk driver in the eyes of the law – there is no grey area.
“Despite what some people may think, eating plenty of food or having a perceived tolerance to alcohol doesn’t hinder its effects; even a small amount impairs your judgement and reactions.”
Check the North Report, commissioned by the Westminster Government, if you’re looking for the evidence.
Michael, Coatbridge
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They have just lowered the limit (without good evidence imo) and now get more people over that lowered limit. What a surprise!
Would there have been an increase if the limit had been the same as the rest of the UK, I wonder?
Steve Armstrong, Halifax UK.
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