July drink-drive crackdown now underway in Scotland

Police Scotland is running a concerted crackdown on drink- and drug-driving to catch motorists ‘driving under the influence’.

The fortnight’s campaign runs from 1 to 14 July and will see increased numbers of road traffic officers out to catch drink- and drug-drivers.

Latest figures show that the number of motorists in Scotland caught under the influence has increased by more than 50% over the past decade.

The newly published Recorded Crime in Scotland for 2023/4 report showed 8,041 DUI offences – an increase of 3% over the previous year and up 54% since 2014/15.

Separate figures from Transport Scotland reveal there are 210 casualties a year caused by drink driving, although this has shown a steady decrease since the turn of the century.

The Scottish drink drive limit was lowered in December 2014 from 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood to 50mg.

A study of 1,000 people in Scotland by breathalyser firm AlcoSense found 53% of motorists have now reduced the amount of alcohol they drink, when they will be driving later that day or the following morning.

“But there’s still a persistent minority who flout the law and drive above the limit,” said MD Hunter Abbott.

The latest Scottish Health Survey shows that alcohol consumption has increased amongst those who drink above government guidelines – an average of 32.9 units per week in 2022, compared to 30.9 units before the Covid pandemic.

During the last Police Scotland drink- and drug-driving clampdown, carried out over Christmas, officers conducted 3,219 breath tests and 481 drug wipes.

Over a hundred more offences were logged compared with the previous festive season – 831 motorists, up 15% from 722.

However AlcoSense analysis shows that, across the year, breath test failures after an accident in Scotland (3.8%) are considerably lower than in England & Wales (6%).

“When you go out drinking this summer, plan ahead for how you’ll get home – whether it’s walking, public transport, taxi or designated alcohol-free driver,” added Hunter Abbott. “If you’ve been drinking the night before, we recommend a personal breathalyser to check you’re clear in the morning.”