News

5 July 2010
ENJOY THE SCOTTISH SUMMER BUT DON’T MIX DRINKING WITH DRIVING

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) today launches the annual Summer Drink Drug Drive Campaign. All eight Scottish police forces will be out in force targeting motorists who continue to disregard the safety of others and themselves. The campaign starts on Monday 5 July 2010 and runs until Sunday 18 July 2010.

As Scotland enjoys the summer weather, drivers are warned of the dangers of drinking and driving and reminded that having only a few drinks whilst enjoying the weather at a barbecue or other social event, could lead to a court conviction which will stay on their licence for 11 years and criminal record that can remain for 20 years, loss of their licence with an automatic 12 months ban and a fine of up to £5000.

This year’s campaign will coincide with several major events mainly the final stages of the World Cup, T in the Park at Balado, The Scottish Open Golf Championship at Loch Lomond and the Open Golf Championship at St. Andrews.

Police officers will be engaged in high visibility patrols in all areas and at all times as some motorists persist in driving, the morning after drinking, while still over the legal limit. Members of the public are urged to call either Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact their local police station if they suspect anyone of drink or drug driving.

The initiative targeting repeat drink or drug drivers is ongoing and members of the public are reminded should they get caught drink or drug driving for a second time then the court may seize their vehicle and it will either be destroyed or sold.

Chief Superintendent Brian Anderson from Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and the ACPOS Road Policing lead for Drink Driving issues said:

“With the summer months now upon us and potentially many more motorists travelling across Scotland to visit the major attractions I would urge drivers to act responsibly and not to risk either killing or seriously injuring themselves or others but to be aware of the consequences of being caught for drink or drug driving.

“Last year officers in Scotland caught over 8,500 people who were prepared to take the risk. Those drivers will currently be disqualified and if these people are caught for a second time, we will be requesting that their vehicle is forfeited, which may result in the vehicle being crushed. Officers will again be out in force, as they are each day of the year, to keep our roads as safe as possible.

“I would also urge members of the public to consider their moral responsibility and either contact their local police station or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they suspect anybody of drink or drug driving.”