The number of drink-drivers in Fife over the festive period has increased compared to last year.
Statistics released by Fife Constabulary revealed that 26 drivers were caught driving over the limit between December 6 and January 3 an increase on the 22 recorded in the same period in 2009/10.
The drivers were caught during the force’s festive safety campaign, which also saw one driver found to be unfit to drive through drink or drugs and six people refuse to provide a sample compared to two and none respectively a year ago.
One driver, a 25-year-old man from Kirkcaldy, was also recorded as being approaching four times the legal drink-drive limit while supervising a learner driver.
Chief Superintendent Alistair McKeen, of the force’s specialist services division, expressed concern but promised there would be no let-up in efforts to crack down on those who flout the law.
He said, “It is bitterly disappointing that so many people have continued to take risks on the roads in Fife over Christmas and New Year, but none will be more disappointed than the drivers themselves who all stand to lose their licences, and suffer the consequences of no longer being able to drive which may include the loss of their livelihoods.
“I can also confirm that the police have applied to the procurator fiscal to have three vehicles seized where drivers have been caught for the second time.
“As well as the risks posed to themselves and others, these thoughtless and selfish individuals will now realise, albeit too late in the day for them, the wider consequences of their actions.”
He added, “On behalf of the law-abiding public in Fife, I am particularly grateful to those who responded to our calls for information on individuals intent on driving after drinking as seven of those caught were as a direct result of such information.
“I congratulate the public-spiritedness of those who called and thank them for playing their part in making Fife a safer place.”
A more in-depth look at the figures revealed nine drivers were found to have more than twice the legal limit of alcohol in their breath.
Shockingly, the highest reading was of 125mgs of alcohol in 100ml of breath far exceeding the 35mgs limit and was provided by a fully-qualified driver supervising a learner.
Four women were found to be over the limit and one refused to provide a sample.
Two arrests were made between 6am and 10am.