Drivers across the north and north-east are being reminded of the new lower drink-drive limit that comes in to force on Friday.
Both Moray Council and Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) are supporting a nationwide campaign to alert motorists on how to stay safe over the festive period.
The limit is being lowered from 80mg of alcohol to 50mg per 100ml of blood – a figure so low the advice is not to drink at all if you plan on getting behind the wheel.
Eric McGillivray, chairman of Moray Council’s communities committee and the Moray Public Protection Partnership, said: “We are only too happy to support the Scottish Government in making our roads safer and helping to save lives.
“Lowering the drink-driving limit brings Scotland into line with most of the rest of Europe.
“But of course the safest way for motorists to ensure they do not exceed the limit is not to drink at all if they are going to be driving.”
The message to not risk even one drink behind the wheel was endorsed by AECC managing director Brian Horsburgh, who said he wanted to encourage all their clients to enjoy a safe festive period.
“With this change in the legal limit we think the best advice is don’t drink any alcohol if you are going to drive,” he said.
“Even if you are having alcohol at night then don’t drive in the morning as it can take roughly 10 hours to be alcohol free after a bottle of wine and 13 hours to be alcohol free after four pints of premium lager.”
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “We are doing everything we can to make sure everyone is informed about the new lower level.
“A persistent minority of people are still getting behind the wheel after drinking – that is unacceptable, it is putting lives at risk and it must stop.
“Our advice is simple, the best approach is to have no alcohol at all.
“Alcohol at any level will affect your ability to drive – even at the new limit you are three times more likely to die in a crash than with no alcohol in your system.
“Don’t risk it, don’t drive and drive.”