Tough measures will combat drink drivers

Shetland police are introducing tough new measures to tackle drink drivers as the alcohol count in drink drivers has been increasing.

Starting immediately, anyone caught driving while twice the legal limit (70 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath) will be arrested and held in police custody until they appear in court the next day the court sits. Last year 55 per cent of drivers apprehended for drink driving exceeded this threshold.

This means a driver being arrested on Friday evening would remain in custody until Monday.

Police say there are sound road safety reasons for this – if a person is 50 per cent above the legal limit they become five times more likely than a sober person to be involved in a fatal or serious road accident. If they are twice the limit their chance of causing death or injury increases to 20 times.

Acting chief inspector Ross MacKillop said: “This brings us into line with the rest of the Highlands and Islands. From the assistance we have received from the public it is clear that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated.

“Our priority is to improve road safety and protect road users. Those who flout the law and risk drink driving will have to bear the consequences.”

Sergeant Jason Beeston, the community safety officer, added: “This should hit home to people that drink driving is not acceptable. I have been encouraged in my two and a half years serving in Shetland by members of the public who report drink drivers and would urge them to continue doing so.”

? People can phone Lerwick police on (01595) 692110, Safer Shetland Action Line on (01595) 694544 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.