Cops disappointed at rise in drink drivers in Highlands

FORTY motorists were caught driving whilst under the influence in the Highlands and Islands during a month-long police festive safety campaign.

The figure is two more than last year and five more than in 2010/11.

The campaign began at the start of December and finished last Thursday - but police say they will continue to target drink drivers throughout the year in a bid to increase safety on the roads in the North.

Part of the month-long campaign included police carrying out static daily road checks morning, noon and night to detect drink and drug drivers.

Those detected faced tough repercussions as along with receiving a criminal record, a substantial fine and an automatic minimum 12 month ban, these drivers may now have their vehicle seized and on conviction, have it taken away for sale or destruction.

Inspector Neil Lumsden, head of the force’s road policing unit said: "We would like to thank the public for their support during the 2012/13 festive safety campaign as many of those caught by police were reported by the public.

"This year-on-year increase is simply not good enough, any one of the drivers detected could have seriously injured themselves and others and we will not be satisfied until this number declines to zero."

He added: "We will continue to target motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and encourage any member of the public to report anyone they suspect committing such an offence to us."

If you suspect that someone may be about to drive after having consumed alcohol then contact police on 0845 6005703 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.