10 drivers every day charged over drink of fences

POLICE in Scotland have prosecuted more drinkdrivers than any other UK force in the past year.

A total of 3,797 people – or around ten a day – were charged with drink-driving north of the Border in the 12-month period to May.

The Police Scotland figures mean that seven in every 10,000 people across Scotland have been prosecuted for being over the drink-drive limit.

Officers say the high prosecution rate is due to the force covering the biggest area and the second largest population, as well a lower legal limit than the rest of the UK – 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath, compared to 35 micrograms.

The statistics, which were obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, also found motorists are more likely to be charged with drink-driving in largely rural areas, prompting calls for better public transport outside major population centres.

A survey of 31 police forces across Britain showed that Lincolnshire prosecutes the most per head of population, followed by North Wales, Warwickshire, Dyfed-Powys and North Yorkshire.

However, Police Scotland prosecuted the most motorists, although Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, the single force’s road policing lead, added that the numbers were actually decreasing.

‘Overall, the trend in Scotland is gradually reducing and we are ever alert to ensuring new generations of drivers know and comply with the laws,’ he said.

‘There is no “safe limit” and driving while intoxicated puts the driver and other road users at greater risk of serious injury.’

AA president Edmund King said the figures could relate to poorer public transport in rural areas.

He added: ‘It could also be down to more targeted police enforcement, but whatever the reasons, there is no excuse for drink-driving.’

Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for road safety charity Brake, said: ‘Drink-driving remains one of the biggest killers on our roads, causing devastation to families up and down the country.’

The figures come amid the annual crackdown on drinkdriving over the festive period.

This year’s Scottish Government campaign advises that ‘best is none’ for drivers, who should take a taxi to Christmas parties or avoid drinking at all if they plan to drive.

Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, UK National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, said: ‘Every year, police forces deal with cases of drink or drug-driving that directly result in families facing Christmas without loved ones.

‘While we continue to work on educating people against drink and drug-driving and police forces are using intelligence to target offenders, the scale of the problem is still a real concern.’

‘Greater risk of serious injury’