He went on to say a fine of £300 and a driving ban of up to 10 years is no longer enough to deter persistent offenders.

David Walmsley (63), from Monifieth, said, “I agree. These people should be made to spend a night in the casualty department of a hospital so they can see the results of drink-driving.

“I’m speaking as a road-user as well as a parent and a grandparent, and the recent statistics are definitely a cause for concern.”

He continued, “Small shops ought to be more strict about selling drink, too. And places like hotels should be encouraging people to be responsible, designate drivers or use alternative means of transport.

“Prescription drugs should also carry more visible warnings about how these may affect driving when mixed with drink.”

Alix Grant (48), from Cumbria, was up in Dundee visiting his parents and said the punishment for first-time offenders simply wasn’t harsh enough to stop them re-offending.

He said, “There should be a stricter punishment and fines should be a percentage of a total year’s income.

“What they have now just isn’t enough of a deterrent.

“There should definitely be a tougher prison sentence for repeat offenders caught driving under the influence.”

Lo-Anne Keilloh (28), from Friockheim, said, “Everybody knows drinking and driving is wrong.

“Repeat offenders should receive a complete driving ban or be made to re-sit the driving test when they come out of prison — being able to drive is a privilege, after all.

“I suppose the Government could do more to cut down on people drinking and taking drugs, but it’s up to the individual to be more responsible about their behaviour.

“I used to be a barmaid, so I have seen a lot of drunk people in my time. If they decide to take the risk and drive home it will probably be someone else that pays the price in an accident. Tougher sentences would help.”

Robert Higgins (64), from St Mary’s, said, “Banning people from driving is not enough of a deterrent.

“Plus, there aren’t enough police on the streets to catch offenders.

“They say 67 drivers were caught in Tayside driving under the influence of either drink or drugs over the festive period — well, to me, that’s 67 people too many.

“The advertising campaigns you see on the television are quite hard-hitting, but most people lose judgement after they’ve had a few and think ‘that won’t happen to me’.

“There needs to be more of a deterrent.”

Ashley Miller (33), from Downfield, lost her uncle in a car crash and says she simply won’t tolerate people who put the lives of others at risk while on the road.

“Anyone who is caught driving irresponsibly should be punished severely.

“Persistent offenders should be banned from driving for life and sent to prison.

“They should also be sentenced for any injury caused in an accident. There are more cars on the road now and I definitely support Mr Vine’s suggestion any driver involved in a collision should be breath-tested.

“People need to be shocked into driving more responsibly.

She added, “Pubs and clubs should also be looking at the prices they are charging for water and soft drinks as they’re far too expensive. I don’t drive, but my friends are all responsible when they’re out for a drink.

“I would never get into a car with anybody who had been drinking.”

Ricky Davis (29), also from Downfield, said, “They should definitely be handing out stricter sentences to repeat offenders.

“However, they should also be harder on people who are caught driving under the influence for the first time to deter them from doing it again.

“The Tayside statistics are pretty bad, but I don’t think pubs can do anything about the situation. People have to learn to be more responsible.”

A total of 67 drivers in Tayside were caught for drink or drug driving over a month during the festive period, while the number of people stopped drink or drug driving in Scotland has risen by 100 in the last year.