Police Scotland has credited intelligence led tactics after one in 28 drivers stopped during its summer campaign were found to be breaking alcohol or drug driving laws.
In total, 7,457 drivers were stopped between 27 June and 10 July – resulting in 264 drink or drug driving offences being detected.
Of the drivers detected over the drink-drive limit, 27 were caught the morning after.
Additionally, 122 people failed the roadside drug test and enquiries into these incidents remain ongoing, pending forensic tests.
Supt Simon Bradshaw, deputy head of road policing, said: “Our campaign this year was intelligence led in order to target areas where we know people take unnecessary risks by drink or drug driving.
“It is disappointing to see that despite our advice and that of our road safety partners, some people are still willing to put themselves, and other innocent members of the public, at risk by drink or drug driving.
“Drink or drug driving is known to be a contributory factor in serious injury and fatal collisions.
“By driving under the influence of drink or drugs, your actions could be responsible for causing someone’s death or your own, leaving behind grieving family and friends.”
I’d be interested to hear more about how the areas were identified. Was it based on collision data (i.e. areas with a history of collisions where drink or drugs has been a contributory factor) or was it based on previous intelligence which enabled the police to revisit locations where they have stopped high levels of motorists for drink / drug driving previously.
Rebecca, Leeds
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