Police said there were 49 drink drivers caught in two weeks

The 61-year-old woman was one of 30 drink drivers caught by Lothian and Borders Police during the second week of a national festive safety campaign.

There were 25 drink drivers over the same period last year. There was one drug driver in both years at this time.

In the campaign's first two weeks there were 49 drink drivers compared with 51 last year over the same period.

Ch Insp Kenny Buchanan, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "Although the total number of motorists caught has fallen for the first two weeks compared to last year we are concerned at the sudden increase in those failing tests over the last two weeks.

We have also used an intelligence led approach to catching drink drivers Ch Insp Kenny Buchanan Lothian and Borders Police

"We have seen an increase from 19 to 30 drivers caught drink driving and there is no doubt that with the festive parties starting to kick in people are not heeding the advice about drinking and driving.

"We have also used an intelligence led approach to catching drink drivers."

Officers say that incidents include a 24-year-old driver being involved in a collision with a bus on Leith Walk on 19 December. He was nearly three times the drink-drive limit.

Mobile phone

At 1400GMT on the same day, the 61-year-old woman was involved in a four car collision in Meggatland Terrace, Edinburgh.

She had left the scene but when traced provided a breath test three and a half times the limit. She has been charged with drink driving, failing to stop and report a collision.

At 1115 GMT on 16 December, a 43-year-old man was seen driving in Leslie Place, Edinburgh, whilst using his mobile phone.

When stopped a smell of alcohol was detected and the driver was subsequently charged with drink driving. The driver stated that he had been at a party the night before.

At 0330 GMT on 16 December, a 33-year-old man was found slumped over the wheel of his works van in Gore Avenue, Gorebridge.