Whilst cops in Dumfries and Galloway saw fewer drink drivers on its roads over Christmas and New Year, police in Ayrshire noted a slight increase in the number of failed tests.

The new lower drink drive limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood came into force on December 5 last year, bringing Scotland into line with much of the rest of Europe.

The figures show that Police Scotland in Dumfries and Galloway breath tested just over 1,200 drivers during the annual festive drink driving campaign and of those tested, six were found to be over the limit.

In Ayrshire Police Scotland tested 1142 drivers for alcohol –an average of 40 drivers each day. A total of 31 drivers were caught under the influence this year compared to 30 in the same period last year – an increase of 3 per cent.

Inspector Drew Robertson of the Divisional Road Policing Unit in Ayrshire said: “Far too many people die or are injured each year on Scotland’s roads as a result of drink driving and the irresponsible disregard shown by drink drivers for not only their own safety but that of other road users and pedestrians.

“The new limit will help keep roads in Ayrshire safer and make people think about their behaviour. It is still unacceptable that 31 people in Ayrshire chose to ignore all the advice and warnings and get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. They are not just risking their lives but also those of other road users and pedestrians. That number is far too high and we will not let up now that the festive season is over.” He added: “Remember if you do drink and drive, it can have long term repercussions for you, your family and your community. Your vehicle can be seized. It could cost you your job, your reputation or potentially your life not to mention the effect your actions have on innocent parties.

“There is no safe amount of alcohol in the body if you drive. Even at the new limit, you are three times more likely to die in a crash than if you had taken no alcohol. It is clear when it comes to drinking and driving, that the simple ‘the best advice is none’ message is the right one.” Inspector Neil Hewitson of the Roads Policing Unit, from Police Scotland’s Dumfries and Galloway branch, also said: “In the same period last year 15 drivers were caught under the influence as compared to six this year.

“This is clearly a big decrease and hopefully indicates that the message about not drinking and driving is starting to drive home to people. Sadly, six drivers ignored the advice and put not only themselves, but other road users in danger with their irresponsible behaviour. Whilst the festive campaign has come to a close for this year, Police Scotland officers are still out and about, round the clock, making sure that our roads across the region are as safe as they can be.” During the four week festive Drink Drive campaign from Road Safety Scotland and the Scottish Government, Police Scotland tested a total of 17,504 drivers for alcohol – an average of 625 drivers each day.

A total of 351 drivers were caught under the influence this year compared to 434 in the same period last year – a 19 percent reduction nationwide.

Those caught now face the New Year without a licence, a minimum 20-year criminal record and a fine.

Of those caught drink driving, 20 drivers were detected between the new 50mg limit and the previous limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

And during the period a total of 27 drivers were detected between 6am and 10am, six of whom were between the old and the new limit.

With the Christmas and New Year festivities now over, motorists are being reminded that the message not to drink any alcohol at all before driving and to plan journeys the next morning, remains relevant all year round.