New figures from Police Scotland reveal a 55% decrease in the number of people caught
drink-
The new lower drink drive limit of 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath came into force on 5 December 2014, bringing Scotland into line with much of the rest of Europe.
During a four week period over Christmas and New Year, police tested 690 drivers on the roads of the Highlands and Islands for alcohol.
A total of 19 drivers were caught under the influence this year compared to 42 in the same period last year – around a 55% decrease.
Of these 19 drivers, three were stopped between 6am and 10am and found to be over
the legal drink-
Those caught now face losing their licence, a minimum 20-
Inspector Angus Stewart from the Highland and Islands Road Policing Unit said: "The
figures for the festive period are very encouraging indeed but the fact remains that
even one driver who is out on the roads over the limit has the potential to cause
a devastating and often fatal situation -
"The majority of road users we stop and speak to have been very positive about the
lowering of the limit. They have made the necessary changes to their routine to ensure
they do not consume alcohol and drive whereas in the past they may have done so.
"We
also hear that people are giving more thought to how much alcohol they are consuming
the night before if they are due to drive the next day.
"Our message is: do not drink
any alcohol if you are driving. If you are out socialising, arrange an alternative
mode of transport to get you home safely.”
Less people caught drink driving
18 January 2015