Over 80 drink and drug driving offences in West Lothian over the festive season have been recorded by police in the region, with a total of 83 offences reported during Police Scotland’s annual campaign. The Lothians and Scottish Borders division conducted tests on 33 motorists who were found to have blood alcohol levels above the legal limit, 31 individuals were driving under the influence of a controlled drug, and two were driving while unfit due to drugs or alcohol. Additionally, eight people were found to be in charge of vehicles under these conditions, four failed to provide breath tests at the roadside, and five did not provide samples at police stations during the seven-week campaign from December 1 to January 19.
Across Scotland, more than 25,000 vehicles were stopped as part of the festive drink and drug driving campaign. Police officers carried out a total of 4,779 breath tests and 963 drug wipes, reflecting a significant increase compared to previous years. The results revealed that 9.2% of roadside breath tests and 54% of drug wipes returned positive results, indicating a worrying trend of driving under the influence.
The festive campaign received support from a Scottish Government marketing initiative, spearheaded by Justice Minister Angela Constance. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, highlighting the devastating impacts such actions can have on individuals and their communities. Police Scotland emphasised their use of data to target key areas, respond to public information, and conduct roadside checks effectively.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan stressed the importance of targeting drink and drug drivers, affirming that offenders would be caught and face severe consequences. She urged the public to continue supporting efforts to change driver behaviour and prevent avoidable accidents on the roads. The collaborative efforts of road and local policing officers during the campaign reflect a commitment to ensuring road safety and protecting all road users.
In conclusion, the alarming number of drink and drug driving offences in West Lothian underscores the ongoing need for robust enforcement measures and public awareness campaigns to address this issue effectively. The dedication of law enforcement agencies and the government to tackle this issue is crucial in promoting safer roads and reducing the risk of accidents caused by impaired driving.