This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Festive drink-drive figures
06/01/2004
The increase in the number of people caught drink driving over the festive period is extremely disappointing, Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said today.
He was commenting on the final results of the ACPOS National Festive Road Safety campaign.
A total of 770 people were caught drink driving compared with 750 for the same period last year. A total of 31 people were detected drug driving compared to 37 last year.
Mr Henry said:
"This year's campaign focused on the consequences of what can happen when someone is caught driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. Despite this clear message, it is clear that there are still some people who continue to risk heavy penalties and put themselves and others in danger.
"It is also disheartening to see that the number of women caught drink driving has increased compared to last year. Anyone caught faces massive insurance premiums, loss of their licence and even a possible prison sentence.
"Even a small amount of alcohol affects driving ability. Drivers also need to realise they may still be over the limit the next day, particularly if they have been drinking heavily or late that night.
"By 2010 we want to cut the number of fatal and serious road accidents by 40 per cent and halve the number of fatal and serious accidents involving children. Driving while under the influence contributes to these figures and we must continue to drive home the serious impact such actions will have."
The Festive Safety Campaign organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) ran from December 8 to January 5 and focused on drink driving and drug driving.
Radio and poster advertising, organised by the Scottish Road Safety Campaign (SRSC), has highlighted the 'Crimestoppers' telephone number, which can be used by the public to report road crime, such as drink driving, speeding and drug driving to the police.
The telephone number is 0800 555 111.
The SRSC campaign, called Who's Watching You?, aims to reduce the incidence of drink driving. Radio ads and washroom posters placed in washrooms in bars, clubs and SPL football grounds were used to get the message across. The campaign aimed to make people aware that members of the general public do report people who drink drive to the police.
The Executive is committed to the Great Britain target for a 40 per cent reduction in fatal and serious road casualties and a 50 per cent reduction in child fatal and serious casualties by 2010, compared with the average for 1994-98.