Police have caught more than 120 people drink- or drug-driving in the past week, despite severe weather creating hazardous conditions.
Across Scotland, 121 people were caught drink-driving during the first week of the annual Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) campaign. A further six were caught driving while under the influence of drugs.
This compares with 93 drink-drivers and four drug-drivers caught over a similar period last year.
Consideration is being given to seizing 29 people’s vehicles under the vehicle forfeiture scheme.
Chief Superintendent Kate Thomson of Acpos urged people to contact police if they suspect a driver is under the influence.
She said: ”As most of Scotland was gripped by severe weather which made driving conditions hazardous for everyone, it is astonishing that anyone would consider driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
”The message needs to get out to those offenders who chose to take the risk and drink and drive that it is illegal, dangerous and, at times, a fatal decision.”
She added: ”We have extended the vehicle forfeiture scheme this year to target those who provide a high reading and, as the statistics show, a considerable number of offenders will, on conviction, face the added consequence of losing their vehicle for good.”
First-time drink-drivers whose breath sample is at least three times the limit, as well as those who refuse a breath test, can now have their vehicles taken away for good if they are convicted.
That would be as well as a criminal record, fine and 12-month driving ban.
All eight Scottish police forces are taking part in the four-week campaign which began on December 5.
Chief Inspector Sandy Bowman of Tayside Police said: ”We asked for the continued support and assistance of the public and I am delighted to say that support has mirrored the commitment we have seen in previous years.
”It is very apparent that the vast majority of people in our communities will not tolerate the selfishness displayed by those who are prepared to drive under the influence of drink or drugs.”
He added: ”To the would-be drink/drug-driver I would say don’t risk it. If your ability to drive safely is in any doubt, leave the car at home.”
In addition to targeting drink-drivers or those who have taken drugs before getting behind the wheel, the force has also been on the lookout for other road safety offenders.
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Seventy-two drivers have been reported for seatbelt offences, another 65 for mobile phone offences and more than 120 for speeding.
Another 16 drivers were detected driving without either insurance or a valid driving licence and have had their vehicles seized.
Fife Constabulary expressed disappointment after 15 people were caught drink-driving in the first week of the campaign.
Two motorists also face losing their licences after tests suggested they were three times the limit within the first few days of the crackdown.
It is understood the first driver to fail the roadside breath test was caught just hours into the campaign.
Both drivers alleged to be over the legal alcohol limit stand to lose their vehicles.
Fife’s head of road policing Chief Inspector David McCulloch said: ”As I have said previously, every driver who is stopped for an offence, is involved in an accident or smells of alcohol is guaranteed to be breathalysed.
”Rest assured that if you take a chance behind the wheel while under the influence, we will be there to catch you.”
Meanwhile, in Angus, a drop in drink-driving convictions is being taken with a pinch of salt by police.
Head of road policing Inspector Grant Edward said the figures were not a true reflection of the problem as they receive daily calls from the public about suspected drink-driving, but many escape detection.
Mr Edward said: ”I would not be too complacent about the fact these figures are going down. If people are travelling at high speeds, by the time people have phoned us the vehicle might be out of the area.”
He also said that drug-driving is now just as big a problem and the effects can be just as tragic as getting behind the wheel with a drink.
Mr Edward said: ”That’s an area that is difficult because you can actually stop someone who is under the influence of drugs and it’s not immediately apparent.”
He said people caught behind the wheel under the influence range from teenagers to pensioners, adding: ”There’s a wide range of ages so we can’t target a particular group.”