MOTORISTS caught driving more than three times the legal alcohol limit or refusing a breath test will face having their car confiscated, even if it is their first offence.
The "get-tough" measures were unveiled by police and prosecutors yesterday as part of a new crackdown on drink-driving that will see roadside patrols increased over the festive period.
Figures published by the Scottish Government to coincide with the campaign launch revealed that 155 vehicles have been seized and either destroyed or sold after the vehicle forfeiture scheme was launched in 2009. A further 18 motorists have had their vehicles confiscated while they await a court decision.
The scheme, which utilises powers introduced under the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988, was expanded in summer 2010 to include those driving under the influence of drugs or motorists caught for a second time drink or drug-driving.
The new measures will cover drivers who refuse a roadside breath test and then refuse to undertake a further breath test or provide a urine or blood sample at a police station.
Last year, 7563 people in Scotland were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, an average of around 20 offenders every day. The forfeiture scheme has seen 702 repeat offenders caught since 2009.
Kenny MacAskill, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said the new measures were intended to demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach to drink-driving. He said: "The system to catch those who break the law is working well. This year, over 7500 drunk or drugged drivers have lost their licence and been taken off our roads.
"Thirty deaths caused by drink or drug-driving each year is thirty too many, and it will be tolerated no longer.
"We will continue to lobby the UK Government for powers to reduce the drink-drive limit and work towards eradicating this problem once and for all."
Chief Constable Justine Curran, vice-president of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos), said the forfeiture scheme had been a "resounding success".
"In Scotland we are on patrol 24 hours a day, every day of the year, catching those who pose a threat to our safety. Last year, 7563 people in Scotland were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which is an average of around 20 offenders every day.
"It is staggering that so many people are willing to risk their lives and the lives of others. From today, over the festive campaign, we will be increasing our road patrols, targeting those who continue to drive under the influence of drink or drugs.
"This year's campaign marks another extension to the vehicle forfeiture scheme. From today, if we discover through our inquiries that an offender is three times the legal limit or more, we will request that the court gives consideration to seizing and forfeiting the offender's vehicle.
"This means that on conviction the vehicle will be sold or destroyed."
The Scottish road safety campaign was launched yesterday ahead of a UK-wide scheme which will offer a "two-for-one" on soft drinks in selected bars and nightclubs, including more than 1000 in Scotland.
The Think! campaign has been developed by the Department for Transport in collaboration with Coca-Cola.
Roads minister Mike Penning said: "The number of drink-drive deaths has fallen by more than 75% since 1979, but drink- driving is still devastating lives, with around 250 people killed in collisions where a driver was over the limit last year."
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