The north-east’s police commander has revealed the number of people being caught behind the wheel drunk or under the influence of drugs has not changed drastically despite the coronavirus lockdown.
Chief Superintendent Campbell Thomson praised the vast majority for doing “the right thing” during the pandemic but highlighted the “static” drink and drug driving figures.
He also warned some were taking “unnecessary risks” by speeding excessively on the empty roads.
In a letter to Aberdeen councillors, the divisional commander reported: “Police Scotland officers are stopping drivers partaking in such risky behaviour on a daily basis.
“And while we have seen drink/drug driving detections remain relatively static during the period, speeding offences are down as the vast majority of people stay at home.”
Aberdeen councillor Martin Greig said it was sad “irresponsible people” were taking advantage of the situation and praised police for reacting very quickly to the crisis.
But the divisional commander’s report was overall a positive one, illustrating the sacrifices the north-east public has made over the past months.
Ch Supt Thomson said he was encouraged moving into the next phase of lockdown, having seen the continued high level of compliance with the stay at home advice.
He added: “This is not just to avoid a criminal justice sanction, but because it is the right thing to do.
“We police by consent and the cooperation between the police and our fellow citizens has been vital at a time when we have seen significant restrictions on personal freedoms.”
