Police Scotland has launched a three-week concerted crackdown on drink- and drug-driving over the summer.

Latest figures for Scotland show that motorists caught ‘driving under the influence’ (DUI) has increased by a third in the past five years

The campaign runs from 26 June to 16 July and sees police step up roadside alcohol and drug checks, while warning the public about the risks.

During last year’s two-week intelligence-led campaign, 585 roadside breath screening tests were carried out plus 152 drug tests. Officers detected 295 ‘driving under the influence’ (DUI) offences – a failure rate of 40%.

Latest figures show that motorists caught ‘driving under the influence’ (DUI) has increased by a third in the past five years.

The latest annual Recorded Crime in Scotland report published this month showed 7,815 DUI offences in 2022/23 – compared with 5,863 in 2017/2018.

Separate figures from Transport Scotland reveal there are 20 deaths a year caused by drink driving.

However, analysis by breathalyser firm AlcoSense shows that, across the year, breath test failure rates in Scotland (3.5%) are considerably lower than in England & Wales (6%).

The Scottish drink-drive limit was lowered in December 2014 from 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood to 50mg. A study of a thousand people in Scotland by AlcoSense found 53% of motorists have now reduced the amount of alcohol they drink, when they will be driving later that day or the following morning.

“But there’s still a persistent minority who flout the law and drive above the limit,” said managing director  Hunter Abbott.

“When you go out drinking this summer, plan ahead for how you’ll get home – whether it’s walking, public transport, taxi or designated alcohol-free driver.

“Even a small amount of alcohol slows reaction time, inhibits judgement and reduces concentration – increasing the likelihood of an accident.”

“Motorists should either abstain completely or use a personal breathalyser to check they are clear the following morning,” added Abbott.