News

1 July 2009
ENJOY THE SUMMER BUT DON’T MIX DRINKING WITH DRIVING

Scottish Road Policing chiefs are urging drivers in Scotland to enjoy the summer months but to act responsibly if they are planning to consume alcohol.

In an effort to drive home the message, all eight Scottish police forces are taking part in a two week Summer Drink Drugs Driving Campaign, organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, from 7am on Monday 6 July to 7am on Monday 20 July 2009.

This year’s campaign will also coincide with several major events in the Scottish tourism calendar including both the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond and The Open Golf Championship at Turnberry and also the T in The Park music festival at Balado near Kinross.

Chief Superintendent Brian Anderson from Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary and the ACPOS Road Policing lead for casualty reduction and drink driving issues said:

“With the summer months now upon us and potentially many more motorists travelling across Scotland to visit the major attractions I would urge drivers to act responsibly and not risk either killing or seriously injuring themselves or others and to be aware of the consequences of being caught for drink or drug driving.

During the two week campaign in 2008 officers in Scotland caught 343 people who were prepared to take the risk. Those drivers will currently be disqualified and may have lost their jobs. In the present climate they may find it increasingly difficult to find work. Officers will again be out in force, as they are each day of the year, to keep our roads as safe as possible.

Chief Superintendent Anderson added: “I would also urge members of the public to consider their moral responsibility and either contact their local police station or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if they suspect anybody of drink driving.”