Police issue drink driving warning as two motorists charged
POLICE are reminding people to plan ahead for getting home safely by “taxi, bus or designated driver” if they are heading out to socialise this summer after two motorists were charged over the weekend in connection with driving offences in Shetland.
Stops were made in the Holmsgarth Road, Ladies Drive and Black Gaet areas of Lerwick.
A 47-year-old man stopped in Holmsgarth Road and a 38-year-old man found at Ladies Drive were arrested and charged in connection with road traffic offences, and released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.
A third person was stopped following a report of concern from a member of the public, but no criminality was found.
Chief inspector Stuart Clemenson said: “Drink or drug driving is against the law and can result in unnecessary tragic loss of life or horrific life changing injuries to not only the drivers but any other road users.
“The legal drink drive limit is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Anyone caught exceeding this limit faces a minimum of 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, a substantial fine and potentially the loss of their vehicle.
“If you are an illegal drug user who is driving a car, the drug will remain in your system for a significant period after use and your driving skills are not only impaired but you will likely fail any road side drug test.
“We remain committed to tackling this offending and will continue to focus or detecting drivers who flout the law without a care of the public safety of others.
“With the summer holidays fast approaching I am urging drivers to think carefully about their actions if they are planning to go out socialising and to plan for getting home safely by taxi, bus or designated driver.
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“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and the information we receive, anonymously or otherwise greatly assists us in being able to identify and detect offenders in an effort to keep our island roads safe.
“If you know or suspect anyone is drink or drug driving, please call in to report the matter on 101. Alternatively an anonymous report can also be made by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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