POLICE Scotland are today starting a week-long crackdown on 'morning after' motorists who have been drinking heavily at summer town and village galas, carnivals and fetes.

The launch coincides with the time of year when statistics show Scotland’s road users are at their highest risk of being killed or seriously injured because the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police say the campaign will combine intelligence-led high visibility patrols and roadside checks to detect those driving under the influence of drink or drugs. It comes less than a week after the Scottish Government confirmed that drug-driving limits and roadside testing will be introduced in Scotland in 2019.

Two years ago, the government moved to cut the drink-drive limit from 80mg to 50mg in every 100ml of blood - effectively creating a zero tolerance approach to having anything alcoholic to drink and then driving.

England and Wales introduced drug-driving limits and roadside testing two years ago.

The Scottish government has previously been criticised for not implementing the same regulations.

The new campaign will include looking out for early morning motorists that may still under the influence from the night before.

Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, head of road policing, said: “As we head towards summer there are many additional social events for people to attend, such as barbecues with family and friends or larger organised events such as town shows or village galas. All are perfect opportunities to socialise in relaxed surroundings and many people will take the opportunity to have an alcoholic drink.

“Whatever the occasion, as responsible individuals, we all have a duty to consider the amount of alcohol we consume if we intend on driving. It is important to remember that the measures of alcoholic drinks consumed at social events can be significantly more than pub measures. Unfortunately, people can get caught up in the moment and unintentionally or otherwise over-indulge in alcohol."

One in 30 drivers stopped by police during a drink-drive campaign over the last festive season were over the legal limit.

The figure was a higher proportion than the previous festive enforcement period in 2015 when one in 36 drivers were over the limit.

Police Scotland tested nearly 19,000 drivers between December 2 and January 2, which saw 625 people found to be over the limit, while 16,255 people were tested during the 2015 campaign, with 459 caught out.

Of the 625 detected, 46 were caught in the morning having been drinking the night before, up from 13 in 2015/16.

Chief Supt Edmonston added: “Drivers must consider that even if you make alternative arrangements to get home after an event, you could be over the limit the next day, depending upon the amount you have had to drink. The effects of alcohol do not wear off immediately and drivers must be aware of this if they intend driving the following morning. Make sure you do not get caught out.

“Over the next week our increased visibility and activity throughout the country aims to reassure the public that drink/drug driving is highly dangerous and publicly unacceptable. If you choose to drink and drive or drive whilst unfit due to the effects of drugs there is a high likelihood that you will be caught.

“Our message is simple - the best approach is none.”