400 drink/drug driving arrests made over Christmas

MORE than 400 people were stopped by police for alleged drink or drug driving over the festive period, new figures show.

More than 400 people were stopped by police over drink or drug driving over the festive period. Picture: Contributed

More than 20,000 people were tested over the annual four-month campaign, which started on 6 December.

Despite a fall in drink driving over the years, police are still catching a hardcore minority who put themselves and others at risk.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “Our priority is to save lives and our message is clear - don’t ever drink and drive.

“Unfortunately, some people have chosen not to heed the warnings and they now face tough consequences, which include a lengthy criminal record. The good news is they are no longer on our roads and no longer pose a threat to the safety of themselves and others.”

Superintendent Iain Murray, head of road policing at Police Scotland, added: “Over the festive period, we have caught 434 drivers who were willing to put their lives, and the lives of others, at risk by driving under the influence of drink or drugs. They will now be dealt with like any other criminal.”