Drink-drivers risk having their vehicle confiscated

Published on Monday 6 December 2010 12:47

POLICE chiefs have joined forces with the Scottish Government to mount the toughest ever festive crackdown against motorists caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Chief Constable David Strang helped launch this year's drink-drive campaign Picture: Neil Hanna

Motorists were warned that if they are caught they are increasingly likely to have their vehicle confiscated by the courts.

One senior police officer said it was "staggering" so many drivers still got behind the wheel of a car after drinking or taking drugs, as it emerged 8,504 people were caught over the last year.

Of these, 357 were repeat offenders, with 105 vehicles seized after new measures were introduced for the last festive season as part of a plan to target the most serious offenders.

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) revealed it was in talks with the Scottish Government about bringing in powers to allow the same measures to be taken against banned drivers caught drink- or drug-driving, and first offenders caught driving three or four times over the limit.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill pledged the full force of the law would be used to target drink drivers over the festive season, and said that police forces would making catching the culprits a "24/7 business".

The launch of the festive campaign, which runs until 3 January, was backed by the parents of a teenager killed in a crash in Inverness earlier this year.

Graham and Diane Matheson, whose son Callum, 17, was killed in a car being driven by a friend, said: "People might be under the false impression that it's only five minutes up the road and that they'll be fine, but Callum and his friend were only in the car for 40 seconds and they are both dead now.

"People should have a designated driver or take a taxi. We all remember being told about stranger danger in school but we would like to highlight 'mate danger,' because they are no mate if they have a drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel with you in the vehicle."

During last year's festive season, 490 people were caught drink or drug driving across Scotland, compared with 654 the previous year and 841 in 2007-8.

The clampdown against repeat offenders enables prosecutors to seek the forfeiture of the vehicle of anyone caught drink-driving twice. It was extended to drug-drivers in the summer.

Kevin Smith, head of road policing at Acpos, said: "It is staggering that so many people are willing to risk their lives and the lives of others.

"We will be increasing our road patrols targeting those who continue to drive under the influence of drink or drugs.

"The Forfeiture Initiative has been a huge success and we are considering the possibility of extending the scheme further to include disqualified drivers and those drivers who provide a high reading."

Mr MacAskill added: "The Scottish public is fed up of drink-drivers and their excuses. Too many lives are being lost on our roads each year through the careless actions of a few.

"Drink-drivers will be met with the full force of the law. They will lose their licence, get a hefty fine and they could face a lengthy prison sentence or have their car seized and crushed."