BBC News | SCOTLAND | Safety concern despite drink-drive fall

The number of motorists failing breathalyser tests in Scotland over the festive period has fallen slightly compared to last year.

But police, who have just released figures for the four-week period, said there has been an increase in the number of drivers caught speeding or not wearing seat belts.

Figures from the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland showed that there was a large drop in the number of breath tests carried out, from more than 3,300 during the last campaign to 2,200.

Breathalyser
The number of breath tests decreased

That is mainly because there were fewer random checks this year.

However, there was some concern among senior police officers that despite this, the number of drivers failing tests was about the same - 190 this year, nine fewer than a year ago.

Police in Strathclyde said that it appeared the road safety message was not being heeded.

This year's figures revealed that:

2,245 breath tests were carried out during this campaign compared to 3,329 in 2000/2001;

there were 735 breath tests after road collisions during this campaign, with 732 last year;

190 positive breath tests were taken during this campaign compared to 199;

police stopped 9,399 speeding motorists during this campaign, compared to 9,156 last time around, representing a 2% increase.

Forces also reported 8,738 people failing to wear seat belts compared to 7,705. This represented a 12% increase.

Chief Superintendent Alastair Anderson, head of traffic at Strathclyde Police said: "It is a worry that the changes in culture, social activity and attitude over the years have still not impacted on the people who continually drink and drive.

"Why would anyone intentionally go out and drive on our roads, knowing that their driving has been impaired by drinking alcohol?"

'Hard-core minority'

In Central Scotland, Inspector Donald McMillan said he was "disappointed but not surprised" by the increase in drink-drivers in his area.

The volume of calls made by members of the public had a positive impact on the detection of those who decided to drink and drive, he said.

"Nonetheless, it is disappointing to see that there are still a hard core minority who refuse to listen to advice and continue to show a complete disregard to the potential life threatening dangers they present to themselves and others."

There was also concern at the increase in the number of drivers caught speeding - up 2.6% and a 12% rise in those not wearing a seat belt.

Mr Anderson said: "I hope that these campaign figures will help change the attitude of many drivers who continually fail to consider the consequences of their actions."


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