The number of drink/drug driving cases increased despite campaigns

A total of 488 motorists were arrested between January and April for drink or drug driving offences - an average of more than four a day.

In the same four-month period during 2005 there were 465 arrests.

Chief Inspector Kenny Buchanan said: "Figures show that drink/drug driving remains at a consistently high level."

He said this was despite a number of publicity campaigns targeting potential offenders.

The fact that 488 have been detected in the first four months shows we are out on our roads every day of the year Ch Insp Kenny Buchanan Lothian and Borders Police

"What is also clear is that police are doing everything in their power to arrest those drivers who break the law," he said.

"There is a determined effort to catch them and the fact that 488 have been detected in the first four months shows we are out on our roads every day of the year catching drink/drug drivers.

"Our message to those who contemplate driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains clear, 'do not do it or you will be caught'."

During the first quarter of the year, 471 people were sentenced for drink/drug driving offences at courts throughout the force area and received bans totalling 824 years.

The average length of driving ban handed down was 21 months.

Statistics also showed that between January and April 2.4% of recorded vehicle crashes involved a drunk-driver.