Changes to drink drive laws introduced at the start of December did result in a fall in people caught under the influence in Moray over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
That was the verdict from the Aberdeenshire and Moray division of Police Scotland, who released figures this week that demonstrated a fall of almost one-quarter in the number of people caught when compared to the previous year.
Just 19 people were caught drink driving in the region – four of whom were stopped between the hours of 6am and 10am that were still over the legal limit.
“The reduction in the number of people drink-driving is positive and it seems that people are paying attention to the message that it is not worth the risk of drinking and driving,” Chief Inspector Louise Blakelock said.
She added: “Our enforcement and education about drink driving will continue throughout the year and we will continue to remind people of the dangers of drinking and driving.
“You put yourself at risk as well as other innocent road users. Remember also that it is quite possible you will still be over the drink drive limit the morning after a night out.”
The new lower drink drive limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood came into force on December 5.