Nine drink or drug driving offences recorded in region as safety campaign gets underway

Nine drivers in the Highlands and Islands are to be reported for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over last weekend alone, with one detection here in Orkney, according to Police Scotland.

The detections came during the first weekend of a national safety campaign aimed at removing drink drivers from the roads. The nine drivers to be reported include seven relating to drink drive offences, with the other two related to driving under the influence of drugs.

These incidents were recorded across the region — with detections in the Easter Ross, Nairn, Orkney, Skye, Aviemore and Fort William areas.

Performance figures reported to Highland Council last week revealed that the number of drivers detected has increased by 13 per cent — equating to 51 drivers more than the same period last year.

Road Policing Inspector Neil Lumsden said: “To have nine drivers detected under the influence of either drink or drugs in a single weekend is very disappointing,

“All of the drivers who will be reported are Scottish residents so should be well aware of both the legislation and the dangers of getting behind the wheel under the influence.

“These incidents and the figures reported last week tell us that for a small but significant number of people the message is simply not getting through. It only takes one drink driver to put everyone else on the roads or pavements in danger.

“On the other hand, these detections show that our officers are in the right places to catch drink drivers and take them off the road.

“We will continue to take action against anyone suspected of drinking and driving. Many of these detections come about as a direct result of information from local communities who quite rightly do not accept this reckless behaviour. I would ask that people continue to share their concerns with us so our officers can take the necessary action.”

You can pass information to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.