Since the beginning of May, 16 suspected drink drivers have been arrested in Lochaber.

That figure rises to 23 suspected cases when Skye and Lochalsh, part of Ch Insp Chisholm's area command, is taken into account.

One of the incidents involved a driver suspected of being under the influence of drugs.

At the weekend, four drivers were arrested in Lochaber for allegedly being over the limit.

"It is pretty worrying to see the numbers in recent weeks," Ch Insp Chisholm told the Lochaber News. "There was a time when drink driving was socially unacceptable but a growing number of people seem to be thinking it is now acceptable. It certainly is not.

"Thankfully, people throughout Lochaber also feel like we do and we receive a great many calls from the public in respect of suspected drink drivers.

"This coupled with our pro-active style of policing is leading to arrests. The use of mobile phones means information is coming into the police much more efficiently and it means we can then be in a position to intercept a suspected driver."

Ch Insp Chisholm added: "At a time when the local community and agencies are uniting to seek improvement to the safety record of the A82 trunk road it is concerning that police are arresting suspects on this treacherous road.

"A82 drivers need their wits about them and we're now coming into the busy tourist season, with an influx of foreign drivers which can increase the likelihood of accidents occurring.

"The only saving grace so far is that in terms of the drink driving none has resulted in an accident – only once arrest has come about as a result of a minor collision."

The Fort police chief also warned that being caught could only be the start of a drink driver's problems.

"They then have to go to court where the punishment is likely to be disqualification and a hefty fine. Also, if twice the legal limit and caught on a Friday, a suspect could be in the cells in Fort William for the whole weekend, even longer if it's a bank holiday on the Monday.

"Then, if their job is dependent on having a driving licence it could lead to a loss of earnings and all the associated problems this brings.

"When they eventually get their licence back the insurance premiums are likely to be much higher too.

"We have got extensive powers to crack down on this and I can assure the public that my officers are vigilant and a core duty is to detect drunk driving.

"It's disappointing that a number of drivers, despite the high profile media coverage and advertising, still think it is acceptable to get behind the wheel over the limit.

"Drinking and driving is not acceptable, is not worth the risk. It puts people's lives at risk, it puts the driver's life at risk. I can only praise the members of the public who call us to report a suspected case.

"They are not 'telling tales' as some might see it; they are helping protect the public.

"It's an old fashioned message: don't drink and drive."

The legal alcohol limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The police breath test limit is 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

Anybody who wishes to report a suspected case of drink driving can do so anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

s.taylor@lochaber-news.co.uk

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