Public backs more powers to allow drink-driving clampdown
THE majority of Scots back giving the Scottish Government further powers to crack down on drink-driving, according to new research.
In the aftermath of a drink-drive campaign by police which saw 462 people detected drink or drug-driving, a new YouGov poll has shown an overwhelming majority of Scots would back even tougher action.
The survey shows three quarters (75 per cent) would support the Scottish Government having additional legal powers to combat drink-driving. It has previously called for the transfer of powers from the UK Government such as giving police the ability to conduct breath testing any time, anywhere to deter drivers.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the poll showed the public supports further action.
Mr MacAskill said: "We may have moved into a new year but it’s clear some drivers still hold outdated attitudes and think it’s okay to drink and drive. Sadly we’ve already seen hundreds of drivers ignore the risks and put lives in danger in the last few weeks.
"That is absolutely deplorable in this day and age and these people are finding out the hard way that their actions will be met with the full force of the law. The Scottish public have clearly also had enough of them. It is encouraging to see so many people speaking out, and we agree with them.
"That is why we are already taking action to reduce the current limit using the powers recently transferred to us by the UK Government after years of lobbying. Scotland now plans to take action to reduce drink-drive limits and bring us into line with other European countries but we want to go even further.
"The UK Government ignored our pleas to transfer the additional powers necessary to give our police forces the tools they need to crack down on drink-drivers, such as carrying out breath testing any time, anywhere. The Scottish public have spoken and they have sent out a clear message to the UK Government that Scotland should be given the additional powers we need."
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