LOCAL police are urging people to shop boozed-up drivers after revealing shocking figures for December to February, writes Bob Burgess.
Between December 6 and Monday of this week 22 motorists were caught over the drink-drive limit.
And in some cases they were around four times the legal level. And the Lothian and Borders force wants people to tip them off about motorists they think have had too much to drink.
A spokesman said: “Anyone wishing to report a suspected drink driver can contact us on 01450 375051 or in confidence and with complete anonymity through the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Inspector Paul Shillito of the road policing department said : “It is very disheartening that, despite us putting out repeated warnings to local motorists, a number have chosen to ignore our advice.
“In the space of ten weeks my local officers have reported 22 motorists to the procurator fiscal for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.
“Of more concern is the level of alcohol to which some motorists have had in their system, with readings being nearly four times the limit.”
Figures released by police at divisional headquarters in Hawick show that throughout the Borders six drivers were caught between December 6 and January 3.
A further six were caught between January 4 and January 25 with four failing the alcohol test between January 26 and February 9. And a further six were caught by police over last weekend.
Inspector Shillito stated “I want to re-enforce my earlier message by reiterating if people choose to ignore this warning and drive whilst under the influence of alcohol, my officers will be focusing their efforts and they will get caught.”