Area shamed by drink-drive ban figures

Motherwell is joint second in Scotland when it comes to drivers being banned for drink-driving.

Over a five-year period 249 drivers in the ML1 postcode area, which includes Holytown, New Stevenston, Carfin, Newarthill and Cleland, were banned for alcohol-related car offences.

That was the joint second highest figure in Scotland. Top was Airdrie (ML6) with 304 drivers banned. Hamilton (ML3) was fifth on 243.

Airdrie and Shotts MP Neil Gray branded the figures “shocking”, saying: “I hope the recent changes in the drink drive limits will have an impact on these figures going forward.

“Apart from the blatant disregard for the safety of themselves and other road users, the financial cost of having a driving under the influence conviction is probably higher than most people think, what with the insurance complications.

“Losing your licence can also have an impact on work and your chances of employment.”

The figures are for 2011 to 2015. In December 2014 Scotland cut its drink-drive limit from a breath reading of 35 to 22.

The number of drivers banned in Scotland has fallen significantly since 2001 and Peter Rodger, of the Institute of Advanced Motoring, said: “You would think the message not to drink and drive would have got through by now, almost 50 years after the introduction of the breathalyser.