News

5 December 2011
ACPOS LAUNCHES 2011 FESTIVE DRINK DRUG DRIVING CAMPAIGN

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS), law enforcement partners and the Scottish Government are joining forces to get the clear message across that if you drive after drinking too much or taking drugs, you will face the consequences.

This year’s festive drink and drug driving campaign will see the introduction of tough new measures targeting first time offenders who provide a sample for analysis, which is three times the legal limit or more and also those offenders who refuse to provide a sample for analysis without a reasonable excuse. As well as receiving a criminal record, a substantial fine and an automatic 12 month ban, these drivers may now have their vehicle seized and, on conviction, have it taken away – for good.

This year’s campaign was launched at the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh on Monday December 5 by Chief Constable Justine Curran, ACPOS Vice President, Kenny MacAskill Cabinet Secretary for Justice and the Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC.

The Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC,
Chief Constable Justine Curran, ACPOS Vice President
and Kenny MacAskill Cabinet Secretary for Justice at the Festive Drink Drive Launch 5/12/11

Commenting on the launch of the 2011 festive campaign Chief Constable Justine Curran, ACPOS Vice President, said:

“In Scotland we are on patrol 24 hours a day, every day of the year catching those who pose a threat to our safety. Last year, 7563 people in Scotland were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which is an average of around 20 offenders every day. It is staggering that so many people are willing to risk their lives and the lives of others. From today, over the Festive Campaign, we will be increasing our road patrols targeting those who continue to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. 

“This year’s campaign marks another extension to the Vehicle Forfeiture Scheme, from today if we discover through our inquiries that an offender is three times the legal limit or more we will request that the court gives consideration to seizing and forfeiting the offender’s vehicle, this means that on conviction the vehicle will be sold or destroyed.

“The initiative has been a resounding success which can be attributed to the hard work and support of all the partner agencies involved. A total of 702 repeat offenders have been caught with 155 vehicles forfeited and a further 18 vehicles seized pending a decision by the court. The monetary value of a car may be of little consequence but the loss to the driver in terms of going about their daily business will be extremely high.
 
“I would also like to highlight that the people caught drink or drug driving are not hardened criminals, but those people who have not been in any serious trouble with the police and decide to drink and drive. I would emphasise to anyone who is considering taking such a risk, that they are also deciding to accept the consequences of criminal record and a substantial fine. 

“The message is clear if you take the risk we will catch you and I would encourage anyone who suspects a person of drink or drug driving to contact their local police office, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or in an emergency dial 999.”

Kenny MacAskill Cabinet Secretary for Justice added:

“It’s a sad fact that we are still having to address this problem over forty years after the law was introduced, and I welcome this tougher new initiative as yet another lever to remove drink and drug drivers from our roads.  The Scottish Government has developed a strong social marketing campaign this year to get the message out that if you are caught drink or drug driving you will lose your licence as we know that many people still don’t understand the consequences of their actions. 

“The system to catch those who break the law is working well. This year, over 7,500 drunk or drugged drivers have lost their licence and been taken off our roads.  Thirty deaths caused by drink or drug driving each year is thirty too many, and it will be tolerated no longer.   We will continue to lobby the UK Government for powers to reduce the drink drive limit and work towards eradicating this problem once and for all.”

The Lord Advocate, the Right Honourable Frank Mulholland QC said:

“Once again the festive season is upon us with parties and celebrations being commonplace. We would encourage all involved to enjoy themselves but also to act responsibly and not spoil their celebrations, or those of others, by driving under the influence.

“Since its introduction in the 2009 Festive Campaign, the Forfeiture Initiative has already been extended to include drug drivers and is now being further extended to include first time high readers and those who refuse to provide a breath test.

“In addition to the loss of licence, risk of imprisonment and criminal record, the added deterrent of Forfeiture with the new extensions, will hopefully further discourage those intending to drink from also driving. Figures have shown that the number of offenders are reducing, which is very encouraging, but these need to reduce further.

“We will continue working with colleagues in ACPOS, Scottish Government and Scottish Court Service and will ensure that those who drive under the influence of drink or drugs are prosecuted and brought to justice and where appropriate, seek to take away their vehicles.”