Drink-drug driving message failing as motorist found drunk on test day

A TEENAGE motorist was caught drink-driving on the same day he passed his test, police have revealed.

The 17-year-old driver was seen driving erratically in Stirling on Friday. Officers established the youngster had only qualified earlier in the day but was twice the legal limit for getting behind the wheel.

Police are warning that across Scotland motorists are failing to get the message about driving with drink or drugs in their system.

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In another case, reported in Ayr, a driver was arrested twice in the one day for driving while high on drugs.

Strathclyde Police said the incidents happened on 6 June. The 35-year-old driver was stopped the first time after reports of a car being hit. He was reported for driving while unfit through drugs.

Later the same day, police were called out after reports of a vehicle being driven erratically. Officers stopped the same man driving the same car but, this time with a woman and children aged three and six in the vehicle.

Blood tests suggested the man was more impaired through drugs than the first time.

Across Scotland in the past week, 116 people have been reported for drink driving and a further 16 were unfit through drugs.

Four repeat offenders were caught who now face having their vehicles seized by the courts.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Ewing, who speaks for Scotland's top police officers on road matters, said: "I am disappointed by these figures, which show an increase in the number of offenders caught compared to the first week of last year's campaign.

"Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is completely unacceptable.

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"Drivers should be in no doubt - this is a serious offence and you could face a prison sentence. We will continue to patrol the roads day and night and if you get behind the wheel when you shouldn't, we will catch you."

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