News

12 July 2010
ACPOS DRINK DRIVING UPDATE – MESSAGE GETTING THROUGH

Over the last seven days officers in all eight Scottish forces have been carrying out both high profile and unmarked patrols to target drink or drug drivers. The annual campaign is coordinated by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS).

The message to motorists about driving under the influence appears to be getting through, according to the latest figures from Monday 5 July until today, 96 people have been reported for drink driving. This compares with 122 reported last year, a reduction of 26. Four repeat offenders were detected and consideration is being given by the court to seize their vehicle.

During the week officers also targeted seatbelt offences and a total of 614 people were detected.

The summer safety campaign aims to drive home the message to motorists that driving whilst affected by drugs or alcohol is irresponsible, dangerous and unacceptable to society in general.

Chief Superintendent Brian Anderson of Dumfries and Galloway Police, who leads on drink and drug driving for ACPOS, said:

‘I am encouraged by these figures as any reduction is welcome. But they are certainly no cause for celebration, as drivers are continuing to disregard the safety of other road users and themselves by driving whilst unfit to do so.

‘One encouraging fact which has been noted is the support from members of the public, who are reporting suspect offenders to the police. Figures were collated this year as to how these offences are reported and over a fifth of all persons charged were detected as a result of a member of the public contacting the police.

‘Officers will continue with this initiative until 18 July and I would encourage anyone who suspects anyone of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs to contact the Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’

Incidents of note.

• In Central Scotland a CCTV operator observed a member of the public who appeared drunk entering his vehicle and drive off. Vehicle stopped and driver provided a positive breath test.
• In Dumfries & Galloway a motorist called 999 to report a car weaving erratically over all lanes of the motorway near Lockerbie. The vehicle was stopped and 48 year old driver found to be under the influence of drugs.
• In Northern Constabulary a member of the public reported that a 55yr old male was driving whilst over the limit; the male was stopped and provided a positive breath test which was more than 3 times the legal limit. As he had a pending case for drink driving, a request has been made to the court to seize his vehicle.
• In North Lanarkshire a 42yr old male was detected for driving whilst over the legal limit, he had a pending case for a similar offence and as such his vehicle has been seized by the court for forfeiture.
• A female motorist who was involved in a minor collision in Ayrshire was subjected to a breath test and was found to be nearly 4 times the legal limit.

 Note to Editors
For further information, please contact:
ACPOS Communications
0141 435 1241 / 07771 842 881
communications@acpos.pnn.police.uk