38 People will No Longer Be Driving After Failing Breathalysers

4th January 2013

Police disappointed with the increased number detected drink driving during month campaign.

Northern Constabulary report disappointment in the increased number of drivers detected driving under the influence of alcohol during the month-long ACPOS festive safety campaign, which ended yesterday.

In 2011/12 there were 38 people caught drink driving, compared to the 40 detected by Police during the month long ACPOS Festive Safety Campaign in 2012/13. This is a rise again from the following year (2010/11) which saw the final number over the four week period detected as 35.

The campaign began at the start of December and finished yesterday (Thursday 03 January 2013), but Police say they will continue to target drink drivers throughout the year in a bid to increase safety on the roads of the Highlands and Islands.

Part of the month long campaign included Police carrying out static daily road checks morning, noon and night to detect drink and drug drivers.

Those detected faced tough repercussions as along with receiving a criminal record, a substantial fine and an automatic minimum 12 month ban, these drivers may now have their vehicle seized and on conviction, have it taken away for sale or destruction.

Inspector Neil Lumsden, Head of the Force's Road Policing Unit, said: "We would like to thank the public for their support during the 2012/13 Festive Safety Campaign as many of those caught by Police were reported by the public.

"This year-on-year increase is simply not good enough, any one of the drivers detected could have seriously injured themselves and others and we will not be satisfied until this number declines to zero."

He continued: "We will continue to target motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and encourage any member of the public to report anyone they suspect committing such an offence to us.�

If you suspect that someone may be about to drive after having consumed alcohol then please contact the Police on 0845 6005703 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.