Isles have worst drink driving rate in Scotland

SHETLAND’s police chief inspector insists the local community is “no longer willing to tolerate drink driving” despite newly released government figures revealing that the isles have the worst offence rate in the country.

Scottish Government data published this week shows that Shetland had a rate of 18 driving under the influence offences per 10,000 population in 2014-15.

That gives the islands the highest rate of drink driving in the country – and it is nearly double the national average of ten.

In comparison, the lowest rates of driving under the influence – six offences per 10,000 population – were found in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and the City of Edinburgh.

Shetland chief inspector Lindsay Tulloch believes Scottish Government’s reduction in the drink driving limit at the end of 2014 has reinforced public awareness of the dangers of taking to the wheel while intoxicated.

“We have made determined efforts to educate drivers of the consequences of drink driving and the damage this can cause to peoples lives,” he said.

“The reduction in the drink driving limit at the end of last year has helped get this message across and our efforts to encourage the public to report drink driving is working.

“By reporting drink drivers, I can direct resources to catch offenders and this has seen an increase in the number of drink drivers caught in recent years.”

Tulloch added that despite the new government figures, Shetland’s attitude to driving under the influence has changed in recent times.

“It is clear the community are no longer willing to tolerate drink driving and we will continue to enforce road traffic legislation to catch offenders,” he said.