Police chiefs have urged drivers not to drink at all if they are going get behind the wheel.

The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) issued its plea at the launch of a month-long campaign targeting those who drink and drive over the festive season.

It said that, while it supported Scottish Government proposals to reduce the alcohol limit, people who plan to drive should not drink any alcohol at all.

The campaign will see police officers in marked and unmarked vehicles on the look-out for offenders. Information and intelligence will be gathered on possible trouble-spots and potential drink or drug-drivers.

The public are also being urged to help by reporting suspected offenders to the police.

A television and radio advertising campaign is being aired to emphasise the consequences of drink-driving.

Deputy Chief Constable Tom Ewing, from Fife Police, said: "Throughout my career I have found it astonishing that people are prepared to risk not only the serious consequences of losing their licence but also the threat to life and limb by taking to the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"Last year we saw 7445 people charged with being over the limit, which is a simply unacceptable figure.

"We will use every means at our disposal to track down those who drive after taking alcohol or drugs and, with our law enforcement partners, will ensure that they face the consequences. That is likely to mean a fine, loss of driving licence for at least a year and, for repeat offenders and those who give a high reading, the chance of losing their vehicle.

"Many serious crashes happen as a result of drivers drinking or taking drugs and as many as one in nine road deaths is related to a drink or drug-driver. That is simply not acceptable and we must work together to end the scourge of drink and drug-driving.

"Acpos fully supports the idea of reducing the limit for drink-driving."