DURING the Festive Drink / Drug Drive Campaign, which ran between December 1st 2022 and January 2nd 2023, Police Scotland officers carried out 3049 roadside tests. Overall, 722 drivers were detected for drink or drug driving offences.

This compares to 628 detections during the last Festive campaign.

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Acknowledging the importance of increasing awareness of the risks associated with drink or drug driving, and the contribution this makes toward reducing road casualties and attaining the Scottish Government`s casualty reduction targets, all operational officers took part in the campaign.

Border Telegraph: Police Scotland

Its aim was to influence road user behaviour and increase the safety of our roads, particularly for vulnerable road users.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said “Once again we are disappointed that people continue to take the risk of driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.”

"As we strive to improve road safety the campaign highlighted the risks associated with drink or drug driving through a combination social media and officers carrying out roadside checks.

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“Our campaign was very much intelligence led with a number of offenders reported to us by colleagues, friends or family.

“I would encourage you to continue to report concerning driving behaviour to us. Throughout the year our officers will continue to relentlessly target those who selfishly put others at risk by driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.”

Police Scotland were contacted regarding the number of detections in the Scottish Borders but said that it was unable to provide a divisional breakdown of these figures.