There will be no hiding place for drink-drivers over the holidays, motorists in Tayside and Fife have been warned.
Tayside Police say the first week of their festive drink-driving campaign has caught out eight drivers, all men, who got behind the wheel while over the legal limit.
In the first week of last year’s campaign 12 motorists were stopped for drink/drug driving.
Councillor Alexander Stewart, leader of the Conservative group on Perth and Kinross Council and a member of Tayside Joint Police Board, warned that there will be no let-up.
“Overall the number detected during this year’s campaign so far is a reduction on last year, but that may have more to do with the weather conditions than anything else,” he said.
“The public have again demonstrated their continued support by informing the police about individuals they suspect to be under the influence of drink or drugs.
“Their calls have resulted in almost 30% of detections to date.”
He added, “With work parties and nights out in full swing, everyone should remember that their ability to drive legally the next morning might well be in serious doubt.
“My advice is, don’t risk it, and leave the car at home, because not only is your driving licence at stake, you are also potentially risking the lives of others as well as your own.”
Police say the majority of drivers detected this year have been aged 26 to 55, while the youngest was just 17 and had been involved in a crash.
They also say a 34-year-old Perth man involved in a crash, in a stolen vehicle, was found to be almost two and a half times the legal alcohol limit.
Officers have also been cracking down on other road safety offences, with 19 drivers reported for alleged seatbelt violations and 24 said to be driving while using a mobile phone.
Others have been caught driving without insurance and have had their vehicles seized as a result.
Any member of the public who wishes to report a drink/drug driver can contact the police on 0300 111 222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.