Motorists suspected of drink-driving to get warning letters

Published on Monday 14 July 2008 10:20

WARNING letters will be sent out to motorists suspected of drink-driving in the Lothians in a new police crackdown being launched today.

In what is a Scottish first, the letters will inform drivers they were suspected of being drunk behind the wheel following a tip-off from the public and that next time they might not be so lucky in evading arrest.

Officers at Lothian and Borders receive around 150 calls a month alerting them to drink-drivers, although a proportion are never caught.

Motorists who are sent a letter under the Curb the Danger initiative will also see their car come under closer scrutiny from officers who may carry out spot checks later on.

The tactic has been imported from Canada where it proved "very successful", according to police chiefs.

Chief Inspector David Milne, from the Lothian and Borders road policing unit, said: "We receive 150 tip-offs each month regarding suspected drink drivers, perhaps leaving their home, a pub or elsewhere.

"Some are lucky enough to escape from our officers. These letters will let them know that they didn't get away and they won't be so lucky next time.

"Our officers have very good memories for registration numbers and people receiving these letters will be in their minds on patrol.

"Since the letters go to the registered keeper, there could be an effect if you were drink-driving in someone else's car. A young man in his dad's car may be on the receiving end when the dad gets a letter."

The move is part of a two-week summer blitz launched today. High-visibility and undercover patrols will be taking to the roads across the Lothians, with hundreds of officers taking part.

Road checks will also be carried out at various locations across the force area, as part of the nationwide initiative, spearheaded by the Association of Chief Police Officers Scotland (Acpos).

But Lothian and Borders are alone in sending out letters. If the trial is successful, it could be rolled out across the Capital and elsewhere in Scotland.

The force is also encouraging members of the public to report drink drivers, complete with registration details, to police who can catch them in the act or send them a warning letter.

Inspector Jill Kerr, from the road policing unit, is leading the crackdown in the Lothians.

She said: "Through this combination of enforcement and education, we aim to drive the message home that persistent offenders will be caught. They are gambling with their lives, as well as the lives of other people. That can not and will not be tolerated."

Between April last year and March, a total of 868 motorists were charged with drink-driving after being breathalysed.

The figure represented a fall on the previous 12 months when 901 were charged.

But Bruce Young, the Edinburgh representative for the Association of British Drivers, believes more traffic police should be on patrol throughout the year to follow up public tip-offs.

He said: "If people are public spirited enough to phone the police and report someone, it would be better if they catch them rather than send a letter."