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Road Policing officers in the North East are reminding drivers not to drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs after twelve people have been charged in less than a week.
At the end of July, between Friday 26 and Wednesday 31, twelve drivers across the North East have been caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
Ten of these were drink-drivers, including a 30 year old man, who was charged after being found twice the legal limit on 31 July on Muirton Road in Lossiemouth while in his vehicle when it was stationary with the engine running.
The remaining two were charged after officers suspected them of driving whilst under the influence of drugs, including a 36 year old man who was driving on Nairn Road in Forres on 26 July.
Road Policing Sergeant Pete Henderson said: “Given that Police Scotland carried out a national drink drive campaign just last month it is extremely disappointing to have detected a total of twelve drivers under the influence in less than a week in the North East.
“Some of those came to light after they had collided with another vehicle or come off the road and thankfully no one was injured in these incidents.
“Some were detected the morning after drinking and one person was charged having been found over the limit in charge of their vehicle.
“Driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs has a clear impact on a person’s ability to drive and can have life changing or fatal consequences.
“If you are planning to drink then use public transport or licenced taxis or a designated driver to get home and make sure you leave plenty of time the following morning before getting behind the wheel. If you think alcohol is still in your system or you are still feeling the effects of it the following day then use alternative transport or delay your travel plans.
“For those who are detected and charged in relation to drink/drug driving it is a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, a substantial fine and the possibility of a prison sentence.
“The consequences can also be far reaching in terms of employment and personal relationships.
“Road safety is a top priority for Police Scotland in the North East and both road policing officers and community officers will have no hesitation in pulling over any driver whose manner of driving causes concern.
“To ensure your safety and those of other road users do not drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.“