| Chief Inspector Sandy Bowman, Head of Road Policing in Tayside, said the force was alert to the dangers posed by drink drivers, and anyone taking to the roads under the influence of any intoxicant should expect to be prosecuted.
The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland today revealed that 162 drivers were arrested across the country during the first seven days of the two-week summer campaign.
A total of 146 were charged with drink driving offences and 16 others were found to be unfit to drive due to drink or drugs. Seventeen crashes where drink was deemed to be a factor were recorded during the course of the week.
In Tayside, 10 drivers were arrested during the week — seven of whom were men in the 18 to 26 age bracket — an improvement on last year, when 13 people were caught in the same period and on 2006 when 24 were stopped.
Chief Inspector Bowman said today, “If you have had alcohol or taken drugs — and this could include prescription drugs — think twice before getting into your vehicle.
“If you are in any doubt about your fitness to drive, then get someone else to drive or take a taxi or public transport. ‘Don’t Risk It’.”
Assistant Chief Constable Jim Green added, “It seems there is still a mindset with some drivers that they will not get caught.
“So far in this campaign, 162 drivers have found out their attitude was the wrong one.
“Not only have these drivers faced the stigma of an arrest, but now have to face a court appearance where they will be fined and acquire a criminal record that will last for 20 years, along with a conviction on their driver’s licence that will last for 11 years.” |
