MORE PEOPLE than ever are prepared to report a drink-driver to the police, senior officers in Perth and Kinross have revealed.

With just days left of 2004, the year is on track for a drop in levels of drinking and driving, following an unusually bad year in 2003. However, the police stopped short of welcoming the drop, viewing the figures as similar to earlier years.

Positive breath tests until December 20 this year numbered 293, compared to 351 during all of 2003.

But with December the “boom time” for drink-driving—last December saw 34 positive tests—it is likely the final figure will be higher than 2002’s 298.

Senior police officers issued a call to the public to remember their responsibilities to others and to report anyone they suspect of drink-driving. They also warned that the growing awareness of the offence among more responsible people make drink-drivers more likely to be caught than ever before.

Commander of Western Division, Chief Superintendent Matt Hamilton, said, “We would especially encourage licensees that if they are aware of someone drinking when they are going to drive then they, of all people, should act.

“They know what alcohol can do to someone’s reactions and they have a moral obligation to prevent a drinker from creating a tragedy.

“Anyone who wants to report a crime should remember they don’t need to give their name if they phone Crimestoppers.”

Inspector Ken Brown of the division’s road policing unit said that “noticeably” more phone reports have been coming in from the public, and most involve drink-driving offences.

He said, “That’s very encouraging and I have no doubt that, as a result of those phone calls, we have more success in detecting offences—and we haven’t had to use those people as witnesses.

“It’s more and more difficult to get away with drinking and driving. I would advise any drinker thinking of driving to look around them—and to see just how many other people there are who might be able to call the police.”

Anyone who believes a fellow drinker may be about to drive home can call the police on 01738 621141 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.