Issued: 24 Jul 2008
Ten people have been caught driving under the influence of alcohol during the the first half of the Scotland-wide Summer Safety campaign.
Drivers across the Highlands and Islands have been, and will continue to be breath tested not only if they are involved in collisions but if there is any suspicion that they may be over the legal limit or their driving is impaired.
The campaign is set to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and enforce the penalties attached to such an offence, which can include a few nights in Police custody in addition to the severe penalty that will be incurred.
Northern Constabulary's Road Safety Officer, Laura Fisher said: "It has been over forty years since the first 'driving under the influence of alcohol' law came in to effect and it is extremely disconcerting that there are still a number of people who are willing to put themselves, other people and more disturbingly their loved ones at risk .
"Each of the ten arrested in the Northern Constabulary area, who were of different age and gender, were remanded in custody until the first available court date and I can confirm that at least one of these had to spend a weekend in the cells because of this.
"The message was, is and continues to be clear: Don't Risk It!"
Northern Constabulary are asking members of the public to be mindful of their alcohol limits not only when on an evening out but also the next day as they may still be over the legal limit.
The Scotland wide campaign will be running until Monday 28th July 2008, but Northern Constabulary would like to stress that the robust stance against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be continued in the Force area.
Northern Constabulary would urge members of the public who suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to contact their local Police station or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.