Festive Drink/Drug Drive 2011 - 12

Monday 5 Dec 2011 - Tuesday 3 Jan 2012

The ACPOS Festive Drink/Drug-Driving Campaign began today (Monday 5 December 2011) at 0700 hours and will run until 0700 hours on Tuesday 3 January 2012. Over the course of the four week campaign, as well as highlighting the risks and consequences of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, increased patrols across Scotland will be targeting motorists who continue to risk their lives and the lives of others on our roads.

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

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 a receiving a criminal record, a substantial fine and an automatic 12 month ban, these drivers may now, have their vehicle seized and on conviction taken away – for good.

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

You will be caught

In Scotland the police 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.

To encourage more reporting during the Festive campaign, ACPOS has joined forces with the independent charity Crimestoppers to encourage people to report anyone they suspect of drink/drug driving. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously 24 hours-a-day on

0800 555 111

or alternatively you can contact your local police office or in an emergency dial 999.

By raising awareness of the consequences of drink / drug driving, increasing the penalties and the chances of being caught, it is hoped that people will refrain from driving under the influence of drink or drugs and this year we will see a further reduction in the number of offenders caught.

Previous Festive Campaign figures
Year	Arrests
2010	452
2009	490
2008	654
2007	839
2006	908
2005	808
2004	762

Legislation

Section 33A of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, allows the courts to forfeit vehicles of drivers convicted of certain offences, including drink-driving (an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 which is punishable with imprisonment). The legislation allows the Crown to apply for forfeiture at the sentencing stage of drink-driving proceedings.

Fast facts

• In 2010, 7,563 people in Scotland were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If convicted of driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal alcohol limit, or impaired by alcohol or drugs, or fail to provide a specimen of breath for analysis or a specimen of blood or urine for a laboratory test, a driver can expect:


• Automatic Loss of licence – a 12 month driving ban
• A risk of being fined up to £5,000
• A criminal record – for a minimum of 20 years
• An offence which stays on your licence for 11 years
• A risk of being imprisoned for up to 6 months
• An increased risk of losing your vehicle


• Causing death by dangerous driving whilst under the influence of drink and/or drugs will result in a minimum 2 year driving ban and up to 14 years in prison with an unlimited fine.
• According to the latest figures, it is estimated that just over 1 in 7 deaths on Scottish roads involve drivers who are over the legal limit.
• It is also estimated that the total cost of a fatal road accident in Scotland is £1.855 million. Drink driving fatalities therefore cost Scotland an estimated £55 million a year

More information

On this site you will find a number of links to the websites of our partners in this particular campaign and in road safety in general. These include a link to the Road Safety Scotland campaign Don’t Risk It, Drink Aware and Crimestoppers. We would urge you to check out the important information which they contain.

www.dontriskit.info»