Rise in reporting drink-drivers on hotline

MORE than 600 people reported drink drivers to an anonymous charity last year.

Calls to the crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers resulted in 63 positive actions being taken Police Scotland and 23 people being arrested and charged.

The figures were released as part of a campaign to encourage the public to speak up about drink driving.

Crimestoppers has revealed that information from the members of the public regarding the offence is on t he rise i n Scotland.

While many people fear being identified if they report friends, family or work colleagues, the charity allows callers to remain completely anonymous.

Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland, said: “Those who drink drive are not only endangering their own lives, they’re putting others at risk too.

“We need members of the public to help us by passing on information about anyone who is regularly getting behind the wheel while over the drink drive limit.

“By giving information to us, you could help take a potentially dangerous driver off the road.

“We understand it can be difficult for people to give informa- tion – especially if the person committing the offence is a family member or friend but it’s important to do the right thing.”

Anyone with information on those who regularly drink drive is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the online secure form at www. crimestoppers-uk.org.

If you see someone attempting to operate a vehicle whilst intoxicated, please call 999.