Drink Driving Rates Fall

Police insist the message not to drink and drive remains in place despite the festive period being over.

Officers tested 1434 motorists in Fife during a four week crackdown in December.

11 were under the influence, compared to 38 in the same period in 2013, that's a 71% reduction.

Two were detected between the new 50mg limit and the previous limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

Those caught face a minimum 20-year criminal record, a fine and the removal of their licence.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson, said: "These latest statistics show a 71% decrease in the number of drink drive detections in Edinburgh over the festive period, and are testament to the immediate effect that the new lower limit has helped to make our roads safer.

"Scotland is leading the way across the UK with the introduction of a lower drink drive limit, which has backing from experts, road safety campaigners and the majority of the public north and south of the border, as well as bringing Scotland into line with almost every other country in Europe.

"We will continue in our efforts to change driver behaviour in order to make our roads safer, and our advice for the year ahead is simple - drink driving is completely unacceptable and puts lives at risk, therefore the best approach is to avoid alcohol altogether if you intend to get behind the wheel."

With the Christmas and New Year festivities now over, motorists are being reminded that the message not to drink any alcohol at all before driving and to plan journeys the next morning, remains relevant all year round.

Sergeant Brian Morgan from Roads Policing in Fife, said: "The initial campaign may be over, but our work continues and the message remains the same - don't risk it, don't take any alcohol before you get behind the wheel and it will help you help us keep people safe.

"The new limit is proving a good deterrent in stopping people from drinking and driving, but it is still unacceptable that 11 people chose to ignore all the advice and warnings and get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.  They are not just risking their lives but also those of other road users and pedestrians.

"Make it your New Year's resolution to never drink and drive and help us keep Fife's roads safe."