Forty-three drivers one fewer than last year have been arrested for drink or drugs offences during Tayside Police’s seasonal campaign, including two repeat offenders whose cars have been impounded.
Among the seven caught in the final week was a 39-year-old Lithuanian found to be almost three times the drink-drive limit.
The unnamed man also pleaded guilty in court to driving without a licence or insurance. He was subsequently fined and banned.
In total, 43 arrests for drink or drug offences were made last month. A third were identified by calls from the public, while the rest were involved in crashes or were stopped by police.
Head of road policing, Chief Inspector Sandy Bowman, said, “It is apparent an unacceptable proportion of drivers are still prepared to risk the lives of others and themselves by disregarding the law. Do not drink or take drugs if there is any likelihood of you having to drive a vehicle.
“With almost a fifth of those arrested for drink- or drug-driving in the past four weeks being involved in collisions, the effect that these substances have on your ability to drive properly is clearly illustrated.
“A driver’s ability to judge speed and distance is impaired. Drivers should be in no doubt that their vehicle may be stopped for any number of reasons, whether in response to a call from the public, the manner of their driving, failure to wear a seat belt or other road traffic offences.”
Mr Bowman praised the support police had received from the public and urged them to continue “shopping” drink-drivers throughout the year.
“It is clear the vast majority of law-abiding citizens consider drink- or drug-driving to be an abhorrent form of behaviour,” he said.
Last year, 44 arrests were made in the equivalent operation. Over the year’s campaigns, more than 400 drivers were reported for speeding, 132 people for not wearing a seatbelt, 122 drivers for using a mobile phone while driving and 16 cars were seized for being driven without a driving licence or insurance.
Anyone who wishes to report a drink- or drug-driver should call Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.