The cabbies have been drafted in to help the Go Safe Glasgow campaign, a partnership that aims to cut accidents and make the city’s roads

safer for everyone that uses them.

The drivers from Glasgow Taxis will report anyone they see who is behind the wheel and suspected of being under the influence.

One in nine deaths on Scottish roads involves drivers who are over the legal limit -- and more than 650 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence during the festive season last year.

So far this Christmas, 21 people have been arrested and charged for drink driving in Glasgow and three cars forfeited.

But astonishingly, research shows one in four people do not know how much alcohol is likely to put them over the limit -- and Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Police are urging revellers to avoid booze altogether if they need to drive.

James McNally, Executive Member for Land and Environmental Services at Glasgow City Council, said: “One is too many if you are going to be getting behind the wheel.

“People often say they know when they are legal to drive, but the truth is they are often just hoping for the best. Why risk everything on a shaky back-of-a-beermat calculation about what you drank and when?

“For the sake of your future -- and everyone’s safety -- leave the keys at home.

“The core partnership behind Go Safe Glasgow may be one of public bodies, but we have received a lot of support from across the community -- and it is particularly pleasing to be able to rely on real and practical help from Glasgow Taxis this Christmas.

“Their contribution to the campaign will save lives, there is no doubting that. Every single driver can be very proud of their role.”

Chief Inspector Jim McLaughlin from Strathclyde’s Road Policing Department said: “We are actively carrying out road checks and vehicle stops in an effort to crack down on this behaviour and we are making it more and more difficult for drivers to avoid being detected.

“In addition to the normal stiff penalties imposed by the courts, the forfeiture of vehicles for repeat offenders is also being applied and will have a massive impact on not only the offending driver but the other members of their family who will suffer as a consequence.

“The message is clear, enjoy the festivities but do not risk driving your vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You will get caught.”

During the festive campaign, police will be backed up by the eyes and ears of taxi drivers who have pledged to alert them to suspected drink drivers.

Chairman of Glasgow Taxis, David Mackie, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the Go Safe Glasgow campaign.

“We have cars on the road 24 -hours-a-day, so our drivers are well placed to spot drink drivers and help the police.

“It is something that a lot of drivers have done in the past and certainly something they will be encouraged to do this year.”

Glasgow Community and Safety Services (GCSS) is also joining the Go Safe partnership, with officers distributing campaign materials in bars, pubs and clubs and, again, reporting any concerns to the police.

Jim Coleman, convener of GCSS, said: “We would urge anyone planning to have a drink to leave their keys behind and find an alternative way home -- such as through one of our Nite Zones.”

The legal drink drive limit in Scotland is currently 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, but the Scottish Government want to reduce it to 50 milligrams. Drink driving can result in

an automatic 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000; and a criminal record -- for a minimum of 20 years; and is an offence which stays on the offender’s licence for 11 years.

It can now also result in seizure of the driver’s vehicle.

The police now exercise a presumption to breathalyse any driver who has been stopped for any moving traffic offence or is suspected of having been drinking.