SIX DRIVERS ARRESTED FOR DRINK DRIVING IN TAYSIDE DRIVE
A TOTAL of six drivers were arrested for drink driving offences in week one of the 2010 Summer Safety Drink/Drug Driving Campaign In Tayside.
The figure is a decrease on the number of drivers who were arrested during the first half of the campaign in 2009.
All of the drivers arrested for drink driving offences were male and under 55 years of age.
Among them was a 52-year-old man who was arrested in Brechin and found to be more than three times the drink drive limit.
One driver was arrested for drink driving following a collision and a third of those detected came as a result of calls from members of the public.
Chief Inspector Bowman, head of road policing in Tayside, said: "Our officers are out there with a determination to arrest those people who choose to drink or take drugs and drive.
"The overwhelming majority of the public are supportive of the need to make our roads safer and share our resolve to rid the roads of drink and drug drivers.
"Our arrest figures show that there is still a minority who do choose to drink and drive but I am encouraged that a number of them were arrested as a direct result of phone calls from concerned members of the public. I am confident that this type or support will continue."
The majority of drivers arrested are currently in employment in various occupations and many require a licence for their job.
Chief Inspector Bowman said: "The different jobs and backgrounds highlight that there is no stereotypical drink driver.
"They simply share a common contempt for the law and more worryingly a disregard for their own safety and that of every other person on the roads they travel on.
"One more thing that they will have in common is a court appearance where the impact of their actions will become clear. They will almost certainly lose their licence on conviction and, as many of them will require a driving licence to work, their employment could also be in peril.
"As we have said before, a licence is often a vital aspect of an individual's life. The effects of losing a licence can be life-changing.
"Heading into the second week of this campaign and beyond, I appeal to people - If you intend to have a drink then please leave the car at home. We will continue to arrest drink drivers - You have been warned."
Drivers are reminded that Tayside Police will utilise the full power of the law in respect of requiring breath tests from those involved in a road traffic collision, those who commit moving traffic offences and those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.
During the last week a total of 64 drivers were reported for speeding, 51 drivers and passengers for failing to wear a seat belt and 31 drivers for using a mobile phone whilst driving.
One driver who was stopped for using a mobile phone was driving a bus around a roundabout in the Angus area at the time of the offence - the potential danger is or should be obvious to all. In addition, this type of offence can result in a maximum fine on conviction of 2500.
Drivers are reminded that, if a conditional offer of fixed penalty is issued, the penalties for speeding or using a mobile phone are 60 and three penalty points.
Both drivers and passengers should be aware that the penalty for failing to wear a seat belt is 60.
Anyone with information related to drink/drug drivers should contact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 55 111, or in an emergency only on 999.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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