Thirteen motorists snared in drink-drive crackdown
THIRTEEN drink-drivers have been caught during the first week of Northern Constabulary’s Festive Safety Campaign - nearly double the figure for the same period last year.
The head of the force's Dingwall-based road policing unit, Inspector Neil Lumsden, has expressed disappointment at the number of motorists who have ignored the warnings and put their own and the lives of others at risk by drink-driving.
Seven of those detected were caught by police officers and six were reported by members of the public. The majority were male and five were between 17 and 25 years old.
Northern Constabulary is joining Scotland’s other forces in this four-week campaign to target those who continue to break the drink and drug drive laws.
Insp Lumsden said: "It is very disappointing to note that there were almost double the number of drink-drivers caught during week one of the campaign compared to the same week the previous year.
"It is concerning that so many chose to ignore the numerous high profile warnings we have issued in relation to drink or drug driving.
"This shows a complete disregard not only for their own safety but that of other road users and pedestrians.
"We will continue to take a pro-active approach to drink or drug driving throughout and beyond this campaign and reiterate that it is simply not acceptable."
He added: "We would, however, like to thank the public for their continued support and the fact that we received a number of calls about drink-drivers from concerned residents shows that the public continue to support our campaign and are fed up at these people putting the lives of others at risk."
Officers will be carrying out high profile patrols across the force area in marked and unmarked vehicles and will conduct static checks whilst acting on information from the public in targeting known offenders.
Police are urging the public to help end the scourge of drink and drug driving by reporting suspected offenders to Northern Constabulary on 0845 600 5703 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.