Controversial new measures are to be introduced in Scotland that would see drink drivers having their vehicles seized, even if it is a first offence. These measures would also see the vehicles of drivers who refuse to undergo a breath test without a reasonable excuse being taken also.
These measures mark the annual crackdown on drink driving during the festive period by police forces across Scotland. Last year there were 7,563 instances of people driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which amounts to an average of 20 offenders per day.
Under the new rules, first time offenders who provide a breath sample that is three times or more over the legal limit, or those refusing to submit a breath sample without mitigating circumstances could see their car seized permanently after conviction, as well as receiving a criminal record, fine and automatic 12 month driving ban.
The new rules were developed in response to a previously unsuccessful forfeiture scheme that was rolled out in 2009 as a way to combat repeat offenders. This was extended in summer 2010 to include drug-driving offenders under its umbrella, after a total of 702 repeat offenders were convicted, and an alarming 155 vehicles seized. A further 18 vehicles were seized pending court decisions.
According to a recent study, around 1 in 7 deaths on Scottish roads involve someone driving whilst over the legal alcohol limit.
The operation is a joint effort between the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos), a number of other Scottish law enforcement agencies and the Scottish government, and will see an increased number of patrol cars present on the roads this Christmas. All eight police forces in Scotland will be participating in the scheme.
Chief Constable Justine Curran, who is the vice president of Acpos, said the number of people who chose to drive whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol was ‘staggering’, putting both their lives, and the lives of others at risk.
She commented that the confiscation of the vehicle in terms of monetary value was likely to act as little deterrent in many cases, however the inconvenience of being unable to go about one’s daily routine would hopefully make offenders think twice before attempting to drive whilst over the limit. She also urged people to consider the fact that they would be the recipient of a substantial fine and a criminal record if they are caught.