DRIVERS in Dumbarton and the Vale are being urged by the local police to have a fantastic time over the festive period – but leave cars at home when drinking alcohol.

Police Scotland launched their Festive Drink Drug-Driving Campaign on December 1, and police officers from West Dunbartonshire are reminding residents the impact that alcohol can still have even the morning after.

This is the first festive period when motorists face roadside drugs test, under a new law which came into force on October 21.

Allan Dickson, Inspector for Argyll and West Dunbartonshire Division, told the Reporter: “Everyone on the community policing team would like to wish everyone in Dumbarton and the Vale a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

“We sincerely hope everyone has a fantastic time with their friends and families.

“We also hope that whilst everyone enjoys themselves, they look out for each other, and if drinking, they leave the car at home.

“I’d also like to remind everyone that after a night out you might still not be fit to drive in the morning, and would urge everyone to be sensible and consider this when making plans to go out.

“If in any doubt please just don’t drive.

“Police Scotland is currently carrying out its annual festive drink drive campaign so you will see more officers out stopping cars over the festive period.

“This will include your local community policing team who are grateful to the Clydebank Crime Prevention Panel who have recently funded an additional two breathalysers in time for the festive period.”

The new law on roadside drug tests allows officers to carry out testing using mouth swabs for any driver they suspect of drug-driving or who has been involved in an accident or stopped for a traffic offence.

During the first four weeks, 96 people provided positive roadside tests.

And Road Policing Scotland have been posting regular updates on their Twitter page, including their work in West Dunbartonshire.

On December 10 at 3.12pm, they tweeted: “We carried out a festive road check on A814, Clydebank, on Saturday. Fifty-two drivers stopped and various offences detected including a tractor and van seized for documents offences.”