A new campaign is warning East Renfrewshire party-goers not to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol this festive season.
The campaign is part of a wider effort by the Scottish Government, Road Safety Scotland and Police Scotland.
It follows a record number of breath and roadside drug tests carried out during last winter’s enforcement period.
The campaign stresses the importance of planning journeys home and encourages the use of public transport, taxis or organising a lift with a designated driver.
Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, said: “Every year, too many people lose their lives or suffer horrific injuries because of a reckless decision to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of drink or drugs.
“A split second’s mistake can have lifelong consequences, not just for you but for your passengers, other road users and the families whose lives have been affected.
“You could go to prison, lose your licence, lose your livelihood and face a substantial fine.
“No party or favour to a friend is ever worth it.
“Leave the car at home if you’re planning a night out.
“Don’t let this be the Christmas you never forget for all the wrong reasons.”
In 2023, an estimated 200 collisions and 300 casualties on Scotland’s roads were linked to drink-driving.
Between December 1, 2024 and January 19, 2025, police across Scotland conducted 5742 tests, resulting in 961 offences.
The campaign also highlights a rise in drug-driving offences.
In 2024, Police Scotland recorded 2971 drug-driving offences, up 60% from 1852 in 2022.
Around 50% of roadside drug tests currently return a positive result.
Police Scotland is now warning that it will be clamping down even harder this festive season on those who risk endangering other people’s lives on the road.
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Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of road policing at Police Scotland, said: “Alcohol and drugs slow your response time, impair judgement and make collisions far more likely.
“Our officers carry out enforcement every single day, and both alcohol and drugs can impact your ability to drive the next morning.
“It’s easy to catch drink and drug drivers, and we can carry out immediate roadside testing.
“This festive season, keep yourself and others safe by planning your journey home in advance and avoiding alcohol and drugs completely if you’re getting behind the wheel.”
Drivers caught with drugs or alcohol in their system face a range of penalties, including a 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5000, penalty points and up to six months in prison.
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