A campaign has been launched to tackle drink and drug driving after a record number of offences were recorded over the festive period last year.

The Scottish Government and Police Scotland are leading the initiative after 57 offences were recorded in Fife between December 1, 2023, and January 2, 2024.

The most recent figures from 2022 show that drink-driving resulted is estimated to have caused 30 deaths and 280 injuries.

The new campaign aims to curb these numbers by targeting offenders who risk their own lives and others by driving under the influence.

For further information, visit Road Safety Scotland's website or their Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) pages.

Immediate roadside drug testing using a simple swab makes it easier for officers to catch drug drivers, with almost 50 per cent of tests returning a positive result.

The Livingston Inn hosted the campaign's launch, with Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs and Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing in attendance.

Ms Constance said: "Driving with drink or drugs in your system destroys lives.

"As well as those whose loved ones are killed or seriously injured as a result of a driver under the influence; drivers themselves face losing their licence and their job, and could be faced with hefty fines.

"The impact on their own families can be huge.

"It’s simply not worth the risk – leave the car at home if you are planning a night out."

Police Scotland is encouraging people to make transport plans before heading out to festivities.

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan said: "Our officers will be working hard to relentlessly target drivers who choose to drink alcohol or take drugs.

"It doesn’t matter how good a driver you think you are, alcohol or drugs will affect your reactions and your judgement."

The campaign also aims to remind people about the long-lasting effects of drugs and alcohol, highlighting that even one drink can take a person over the alcohol limit and that some drugs can remain in the system for days.

Those caught driving with drugs or alcohol in their system risk various penalties like a 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000, penalty points on their licence, and up to six months in prison.

Chief Superintendent Sloan added: "We will be doing everything we can to protect the public and support crucial road safety partnerships to encourage behaviour change, but we also need your help.

"The influence people can have on their family and friends can be lifesaving.

"If you know someone is going to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, please speak to them.

"We all have a responsibility to improve road safety."

The new drink and drug-driving advertising campaign will run during the festive period on radio, digital, and outdoor channels.