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ACPOS DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING CAMPAIGN
Archived news: published on Friday 23 Jul 2010 by Fife Constabulary
Tackling drink and drug driving
As the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland’s (ACPOS) summer drink and drug driving campaign comes to a close this week it is highlighted that although the campaign is over officers throughout the country will continue to target drink and drug drivers and the message to motorists is clear NO JOURNEY IS WORTH THE RISK. If you get caught you will lose your licence.
During the two-week campaign which ran from Monday 5 July to Monday 19 July 2010, a total of 212 drivers were arrested. In addition to this, six were unfit through drugs and six unfit through drink. The campaign also identified six repeat offenders and the courts are now giving consideration to seizing their vehicles.
This compares with 252 in the same period last year, with 16 held for drug driving and 1 for being unfit through drink.
During the campaign officers also targeted seatbelt offences and a total of 1117 people were detected nationwide.
In Fife, officers detected a total of 23 drivers for drink or drug driving offences. Only one of these offences related to drugs misuse. A total of 36 persons were also detected for failing to wear their seatbelts. None of the drivers are known to be repeat drink or drug driving offenders.
Deputy Head Of Road Policing in Fife, Inspector Brenda Sinclair said: " Whilst the number of offenders detected this year is down from last year, there is no room for complacency and my officers will continue to use all powers at their disposal to deter and detect those who drink or take drugs and drive. We are committed to focusing our activities on those most at risk on Fife's roads. I would encourage anybody who has information regarding those they suspect as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to call the police on 0845 600 5702 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Chief Superintendent Brian Anderson of Dumfries and Galloway Police, who leads on drink and drug driving for ACPOS, said: “As this annual campaign comes to a close, it is heartening to see that the message is getting through and fewer drivers are risking their lives and the lives of others by driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.
“Driving whilst unfit to do so is socially irresponsible and will not be tolerated and I would like to thank all those who took the time to inform the police of their concerns during this campaign. I would also ask that members of the public continue to contact the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if they suspect anyone of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
