Drive sober this Christmas, police warn
Argyll is one of the top five areas in the country where you are likely to be caught if you drive while drunk or on drugs, so be warned.
Scotland has zero tolerance when it comes to these motoring crimes.
And this is the first year the festive enforcement and awareness campaign includes new drug-drive laws.
This year’s annual festive campaign highlights the criminal and personal consequences of being found guilty of driving a vehicle while under the influence alcohol or with drugs in your system.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf joined senior officers from Police Scotland to launch the campaign last week. He said: ‘Driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is totally unacceptable and puts not only the driver, but passengers and other road users, at risk of serious injury or even death.
‘As well as such devastating consequences, drivers caught drink or drug-driving also face significant criminal penalties which could result
in them losing their licence or their liberty. The new drug-driving law and Scotland’s low driver-alcohol limit are focused on making our roads safer for everyone.’
Chief Inspector Darren Faulds of Road Policing West Command, which covers all of Argyll and the islands, added: ‘As we move into the festive party season, I want to remind motorists of the devastating consequences driving with alcohol or drugs in their system can have on their and others lives.
‘New roadside testing for drugs was introduced in October and disappointingly we have seen nearly 100 people
provide positive tests in the first four weeks.
‘Our festive campaign started on December 1 and we will have dedicated resources on patrol, targeting motorists at all times of the day who choose to take the risk of taking drugs and driving or drinking and driving.
‘I am urging people in Argyll to think if you have to drive what could the consequences be to your life if you do it under the influence of drink or drugs. Always remember and think about how you’re going to get home safely and don’t forget about the impact alcohol can still have the morning after.’