MORE drivers were caught over the limit this Christmas compared with last year, police have revealed.

Officers found 459 drivers were over the new legal limit - one in 35 - over the Christmas and New year period in 2015.

Police Scotland’s four-week enforcement campaign saw an average of 579 drivers stopped every day – with three per cent of those tested found to be over the legal limit compared to two per cent of those tested in 2014.

However police chiefs say despite the rise in drink drivers, the overall impact of the lower limit has been positive.

Police Scotland say the seasonal spike is in stark contrast to the general downward trend of drink driving as new data shows that 7.6 per cent
fewer drivers were caught over the limit during the whole of 2015 compared to 2014.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “It is encouraging to see that the number of people caught drink driving has fallen since the introduction of the lower limit.

“Unfortunately there is still a persistent minority of drivers who continue to ignore the law, particularly during the height of summer and over the festive season.

“Campaigns like this one help to reinforce the message that drink driving is unacceptable.

“Getting behind the wheel while over the limit not only puts your own life in danger but risks the lives of other road users and pedestrians too.

“That is why I welcome the action being taken by Police Scotland to tackle reckless road users who continue to break the law.

“Of the 459 drivers caught drink driving just 19 were found to be between the old and new limit.

“This shows that the majority of those caught are well over the limit which is why we are working with Police Scotland on enforcement campaigns like this to crack down on this persistent minority.

“If you are caught driving over the legal limit you risk facing a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, points on your licence as well as a substantial fine.

“The consequences of drink driving can be devastating, that is why our advice is simple. Don’t risk it. Don’t drink and drive.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, said: “Despite the encouraging 12 month drop and general downward trend in the number of drink/drug driving detections it is disappointing that during the recent Festive Drink Drive Campaign we caught 459 drivers who were prepared to cause danger to others as well as themselves.

“Road Safety is a high priority for Police Scotland throughout the year.

“Our officers will continue to target those who are intent on causing danger to others by driving whilst under the influence of drink.”

He added: “I would like to take this opportunity to also thank the many members of the public who phoned the police to report suspected drunk/drug drivers during the festive period as this helped enable us to take appropriate action.”