Drivers in Tayside and Fife have some of the highest drink-driving conviction rates in the country, a new study has revealed.
Those living in the DD postcode area, which stretches from Dundee to Montrose, have the fourth highest rate of convictions in the country, according to analysis of car insurance quotes from across the UK.
There were 1.486 convictions for every 1,000 quotes made to drivers in the area. Drivers in the KY postcode area, which covers Fife, fared litle better.
There were 1.387 convictions for every 1,000 quotes made to drivers there. The worst offenders were found in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Drivers there topped the table with 1.521 convictions per 1,000 quotes.
The survey, conducted by moneysupermarket.com, found that scaffolders and labourers are most likely to hold convictions for drink- or drug-driving.
Drivers who are caught in charge of a vehicle while over the limit can face up to three months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to £2,500 and a possible driving ban.
Those who are actually found driving while drunk face even stiffer penalties.
These include six months’ imprisonment, a £5,000 fine and driving ban of at least one year, rising to three years if the driver is convicted twice in 10 years.
Inspector Grant Edward, of Police Scotland’s Tayside Division Road Policing Unit, said: “We are about to enter the festive party season, where we acknowledge there is a temptation for people to drink a little more than they would otherwise.
“But that temptation should not spill over into taking a chance on driving when over the limit. If you are drinking, under no circumstances should you drive.”
Mr Edward said public support is required to keep drink-drivers off the road and encouraged anyone who thinks someone is about to drink and drive while over the limit to contact police.
He said: “Keeping People Safe is our priority and the public support we receive is outstanding.
“The information provided to us allows us to detect drink- and drug-drivers, get them off our roads and put them before the courts at the earliest opportunity.”
According to the Scottish Government 4,730 people were convicted of drink- or drug-driving in the year to March.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Whether you live in a city or town or in rural Scotland, our message is clear and simple don’t drink or take drugs and drive.
“If people heed this advice, they should never find themselves with a criminal conviction.”