STONED & DEADLY

COPS LAUNCH CHRISTMAS CRACKDOWN ON ROADS

- BY JENNIFER HYLAND

SCOTLAND'S top road cop has warned of a crackdown on drug drivers this Christmas after a 60 per cent spike in crimes.

In 2024, there were 2971 drug driving offences caught by roadside testing, compared with 2285 in 2023 and 1852 in 2022.

It comes after roadside drug wipe testing kits were introduced in 2019 alongside traditional breathalysers for alcohol.

Tomorrow, Police Scotland launches its festive road safety campaign, which runs to January 4.

Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of road policing, has warned motorists considering driving under the influence and has encouraged bystanders to step in.