Drink-driving falls 55% following introduction of lower limit
DRINK-driving fell 55% following the introduction of the new lower limit, Police Scotland has revealed.
Over the festive season 19 motorists in the Highlands were caught driving while above the new limit of 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
The previous year 42 people were caught in the Highlands during the four week crackdown over the festive season.
Commenting on the figures, Inspector Angus Stewart from the Highland and Islands Road Policing Unit said: "The figures for the festive period are very encouraging indeed but the fact remains that even one driver who is out on the roads over the limit has the potential to cause a devastating and often fatal situation - it is disappointing 19 drivers have continued to ignore all warnings, putting pedestrians, other road users and themselves at risk.
"The majority of road users we stop and speak to have been very positive about the lowering of the limit. They have made the necessary changes to their routine to ensure they do not consume alcohol and drive whereas in the past they may have done so.
"We also hear that people are giving more thought to how much alcohol they are consuming the night before if they are due to drive the next day.
"Our message is: do not drink any alcohol if you are driving. If you are out socialising, arrange an alternative mode of transport to get you home safely.
"As part of our enforcement activity we aim to educate drivers, and so far there has been a high level of positive engagement from the outset.
"I would encourage the public to contact us if they have any information regarding potential offenders, by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111"
Prior to the introduction of the new lower drink-drive limit, motorists were allowed to drive with a reading of up to 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath.
The lower limit means a driver could be over the limit after just a single alcoholic drink. Police believe the lower limit is encouraging motorists to avoid drinking any alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
