Caithness drivers stay off the drink during two-week crackdown
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MOTORISTS in Caithness have been praised for not driving under the influence of drink.
Police said that there were no incidents of drink driving in the county during the ACPOS Safer Summer Drink Driving campaign.
The two-week initiative, which ended at the weekend, saw 28 drivers reported for drink or drug-driving offences throughout the Highlands.
The campaign was designed to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads of the Highlands
and Islands at a time of year when there are higher levels of traffic than normal.
Acting Chief Inspector Ian Sutherland said he was pleased with the result of the two-week campaign.
"The figures are certainly encouraging," he said. "But there have been a number of incidents this year where motorists have been charged.
"Police officers were instructed to be increasingly vigilant during the two-week drink drive campaign.
"Those who are willing to take the risk should not think that we will be any less vigilant now it has finished.
He added: "Drink-driving remains an ongoing issue in this area, but we will tackle the problem through education and enforcement."
"A few years ago it was older drivers that were more prevalent, but we are now seeing a younger generation who are willing to take the risk."
Motorists charged with a drink-driving offence could land a court conviction which will stay on their licence for 11 years, as well as lose their licence for at least 12 months and be fined up to £5000.
