Drink Driving Campaign

A national campaign has been launched to crackdown on drink driving just a day before a lower limit comes into force.

According to Crimestoppers Scotland, just under 500 anonymous calls have been received in the past year.

As a direct result, 134 were positive actions taken by Police Scotland and 11 individuals were arrested and charged. 

It is the second most reported crime type to Crimestoppers nationally behind drugs offences.

Now, in the lead up to Christmas, the charity is urging anyone who has information about regular drink drivers to get in contact. 

Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland said: 

"Too many people lost their lives last year due to drink drive incidents. But, there are still people out there who regularly drink drive and refuse to change their behaviour.

"We want to make the roads a safer place for everyone and we would urge you to give information to Crimestoppers anonymously about anyone who is regularly drink driving.

"Crimestoppers never asks for your name or personal details, we cannot trace calls or track information given online and we do not record our calls. You will not have to give a statement to police or go to court. We don't want to know 
who you are, just what you know. By taking action you could be helping to save a life, whether it's the driver or an innocent victim."

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: 

"Drink driving causes significant impact on families and our local communities not just at Christmas but throughout the year.  On December 5 the current drink drive limit will be lowered and this will be a significant step towards improving safety on Scotland's roads.  On average 20 lives are lost each year in Scotland as a result of drinking and driving.  A further 90 are seriously injured and we cannot allow this unnecessary toll of misery to continue. 

"This time last year a high number of drivers were caught drink driving because concerned members of the public phoned Crimestoppers or the police to report drivers that they thought were over the limit.   This undoubtedly saved lives and I would again urge anyone who has concerns about someone who they know, or suspect, to be drinking and driving to make the phone call that could save an innocent party's life."