BORDERERS who continue to drink-drive have been warned they risk losing their licence, after 77 people were caught in the Lothian and Borders area in a police festive campaign.
That figure included two people who were found to be over the limit in the Borders in the last week of the initiative.
Superintendent Andrew Allan, Borders Commander, said: “It is always disappointing to discover people continue to drink and drive on our roads when we know the devastation it can cause.
“As well as drinking or being under the influence of drugs whilst driving, officers have found that some of these drivers don’t have insurance or have committed other offences as well.
“I would like to reassure local residents, however, that we will continue to target those who are suspected of getting behind the wheel while over the limit, even though the festive campaign has come to an end.
“This is an all year issue and we will target drink and drug driving all year to make the Borders a safer place to live, work and visit.
“Anyone caught under the influence of drink or drugs behind the wheel will lose their licence, possibly their vehicle and be fined – it’s a risk that’s just not worth taking.”
Across Scotland, 462 people were caught drink-driving during the festive crackdown.
Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “We may have moved into a new year, but it’s clear some drivers still hold outdated attitudes and think it’s okay to drink and drive.
“Sadly, we’ve already seen hundreds of drivers ignore the risks and put lives in danger in the last few weeks.