Nearly 600 drivers were caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the festive period. 

The festive drink and drug driving campaign showed an "extremely disappointing" one in 15 motorists breathalysed by police were under the influence.

Between December 1, 2019, and January 2, 2020, 8687 motorists were stopped, of which 580 were detected having drug or alcohol in their system. 

This was the first year drivers were tested at the roadside for drugs with almost 500 such tests carried out during the holiday season. 

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Head of road policing, Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock said: “Over the course of our festive road safety campaign 1 in 15 drivers were detected for drink/drug offences which is extremely disappointing.

“The dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are well known yet some drivers are still willing to take the risk.

In the roadside drug tests 185 drivers provided positive results, of which 16 were people who are required to drive as part of their career and risk losing their jobs. 

Many incidents were responded to during the campaign including a female driver in Ayrshire who was found to be six times over the limit after she collided with other vehicles on the A77. 

A man in Ayrshire driving a tractor was found to be twice the limit in Ayrshire after his tractor-trailer became detached and collided with three parked vehicles.

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Chief Superintendent Blakelock added: "Once again this year, a number of drivers were reported to us by colleagues, friends or family members and I wish to thank everyone who had the courage to report drink or drug drivers and I ask that you continue to report concerning driving behaviour to us.

"This information helps our officers to act quickly to stop drivers who are under the influence before they kill or seriously injure someone.

“We will continue to take action against those who selfishly put others at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Our message is simple: the best approach is none.”