FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

West Lothian’s police have taken part in a week of action to combat drink and drug drivers.

Officers were involved in the crackdown as part of Police Scotland’s summer road safety campaign between June 3 and 17.

Statistics were compiled nationally and showed that across the country almost 8300 drivers were stopped and breathalysed with 299 drivers found to be over the limit.

Between April 2015 and March 31 this year, 172 drivers were caught drunk or under the influence of drugs at the wheel in West Lothian.

Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, Head of Road Policing, said: “These figures demonstrate that Police Scotland is committed to catching those drivers who continue to choose to drive under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Throughout the duration of the campaign our activity and visibility increased, with the aim of providing reassurance to the public that drink/ drug driving is unacceptable.

“’ Deploying such a high number of extra officers to this priority clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling the risks associated with drink/ drug driving.

“Although the campaign has now ended, Police Scotland will continue to focus on this critical element of road safety. Our message is simple — the best approach is none.”

West Lothian’s area commander, Chief Inspector Stevie Dolan added: “Officers within West Lothian have continued to target illegal drug use and road safety matters which have been highlighted as priorities by local people.

“We continue to see a fairly high number of cannabis cultivations, communities being affected by drug use and too many accidents being caused by people driving inappropriately so my officers will continue to focus their activities on these issues.”

The number of road traffic casualties increased by 120 in 2015/ 16 compared to the year before while the death toll went from four to eight.