Clampdown on drink and drug drivers

That's the warning as police begin their annual summer safety campaign, which will focus on drink/drug-driving.

The two-week crackdown began on Monday.

Last year, 8,504 people in Scotland were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Throughout the summer campaign enforcement will continue as usual, but a new initiative means that drivers caught drink-driving or drug-driving for a second time can have their vehicle taken away for good.

It's one of a host of consequences people who choose to drink and drive face.

If caught drink or drug-driving, not only will you lose your licence and get an automatic 12-month ban, you will also get a criminal record for a minimum of 20 years, and risk being fined up to 5,000.

Chief Constable Kevin Smith, head of ACPOS Road Policing, said: "It is estimated that one in nine road deaths are caused as a result of drink-driving.

"Last year, 8,504 people in Scotland were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is staggering that so many people are willing to risk their lives and the lives of others.

"In Scotland we are on patrol 24 hours-a-day, every day of the year, catching those who pose a threat to our safety.

"From July 5, we will be increasing our road patrols as we begin our annual summer campaign targeting those who continue to drive under the influence of drink or drugs.

"I hope that this year we will see a vast reduction in the number of people being caught for this dangerous crime.

"My message is clear; driving under the influence of drink or drugs is irresponsible and risks lives.

"If we catch you we'll take away your licence. If we catch you again we can take away your car."