Highland campaign against drink driving to be stepped up

The war on drink driving in the Highlands is to be stepped up over the next fortnight.

Police Scotland said that despite several high profile campaigns highlighting the dangers of drinking and driving, their officers were still stopping motorists who had ignored the risks and got behind the wheel while under the influence.

Three Highlands motorists - two men and one woman - were stopped yesterday (Thursday, June 28). All three would be reported for drink driving offences, police confirmed.

Over the next fortnight officers will carry out high visibility patrols and roadside checks aimed at removing drink drivers from the roads.

They will also be watching for early morning motorists who may be under the influence from the night before.

Road Policing Inspector Neil Lumsden said: "With the fine weather and the holiday season starting, it is a good opportunity of socialise with friends and family.

"If you go out planning to have a drink then make sure you have a safe plan for getting home - whether it is walking, public transport or taxi.

"If it is more spontaneous and unplanned, go through the same thought process and make sure you know how you’ll get home before you have that first drink.

"The next morning, make sure you are safe to drive before getting back behind the wheel. We will be watching for drivers still over the limit in the mornings so don’t take the risk.

"Everything we do is aimed at improving the safety of everyone using our roads. The message is simple - there is no safe limit. If you need to drive then do not drink at all.

"We use intelligence from our communities to shape our patrols and I would urge anyone with concerns about drink drivers to pass this on to us so we can take the appropriate action.

"You are not being a killjoy in doing this, you are playing your part in keeping our roads safe.

"We want people to be able to enjoy themselves this summer and with a little forward-planning you can make sure you do so safely."

Anyone with concerns about a suspected drink driver can call Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency situation. You can also pass information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111