Cops blown away by festive drink drivers

Dec 17 2010 by Denis Brown, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

TRAFFIC cops targeting drink and drug drivers during a festive blitz have been blown away by offender numbers.

In the annual campaign’s first week, 97 culprits – four on drugs – have been nabbed across Scotland, including nine male drivers in Tayside detected driving over the legal alcohol limit.

Despite treacherous driving conditions, the total caught is not far below the 112 drink drivers and nine unfit to drive due to drugs recorded during the same period in better weather last year.

Blitz boss, Ch/Supt Brian Anderson, said the results defied belief, considering most of the nation was gripped by adverse weather that made driving for even the most sober motorist extremely hazardous.

Disheartened

“It is astonishing that anyone would consider driving whilst impaired by alcohol or drugs,” he said.

“I am very disheartened to see that nearly 100 road users, which is only a small reduction on last year, took the decision to drive whilst impaired.

“We must get the message to this minority that they are not only risking their own safety but that of all other road users and pedestrians.”

One offender during week one of the campaign was a 34-year-old Perth man who crashed a stolen vehicle while nearly two and a half times the legal limit.

Culprits caught so far have mainly been aged 26 to 55, with the youngest only 17.

Meanwhile, 19 drivers have been reported for seat belt offences and 24 for mobile phone offences, with others caught driving without insurance who have had their vehicle seized.

Tayside’s road policing boss, Ch Insp Sandy Bowman, repeated the stern warning that offenders could face Christmas behind bars after being swiftly placed before the courts.

Police were also enforcing the Vehicle Forfeiture Initiative, where courts order seizure of a drink driver’s vehicle when the offender has a prior conviction within five years or a similar case pending.

He said vehicle loss would undoubtedly have significant personal and financial implications for irresponsible motorists tempted to risk drinking and driving.

“Those who fall into the category will be kept in custody to appear at court on the first lawful day after their arrest,” he said.

“This could include the extended Christmas weekend and holiday period.”

l If you see a suspect driver in action, contact Tayside Police immediately on 0300 111 2222.