A TOTAL of 1,355 drink and drug driving offences have been reported in Fife in the last three years.

The figures have been described as "staggering" by Fife MSP Murdo Fraser.

The largest number of drink and drug driving offences from April 1, 2019 to August 31, 2022, concerned motorists in Fife who drove a vehicle with blood alcohol content above the prescribed limit – this amounted to 630 during this period.

There was also a notable spike in the number of motorists in Fife who drove a vehicle while under the influence of controlled drugs above prescribed limit, rising from 24 in the 2019/20 financial year to 104 in 2021/22.

In addition, the overall number of recorded drink and drug driving offences in the Kingdom rose from 388 in 2019/20 to 440 in 2021/22.

Mr Fraser said he was "very concerned" at the figures which were obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Conservatives.

"To have nearly 1,400 drink and drug driving offences in Fife in only three years is absolutely staggering," he said. "It is also very alarming to read that the number of motorists in Fife who chose to drive a vehicle over the legal limit after consuming alcohol totalled 630 during this period.

“And it is quite shocking to discover the number of motorists in the Kingdom who drove a vehicle while under the influence of controlled drugs rose from 24 to 104 in two years.

"Driving under the influence of drugs – both illegal and prescription – became an offence in the UK in 2015. These figures demonstrate that there is a percentage of the population who are willing to drive their vehicle either after having a drink of alcohol or having taken controlled drugs, which is appalling.

"And to make matters worse, there will be less police officers out there to catch such culprits due to cuts imposed by the SNP Government on Police Scotland.”

Reacting to the figures, Inspector Darren Cook, of Fife Roads Policing Unit, said drink or drug driving will not be tolerated.

"Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a selfish act which puts the safety of every other road user, including any passengers, other drivers and pedestrians, in danger," he said.

"You are also putting your own life at risk and when you are caught you will face prosecution and the possible loss of your livelihood.

“Crimes of this nature will not be tolerated by Police Scotland. Our officers will continue to carry out proactive patrols, aimed at removing offenders from the roads.

“We are grateful for any information we receive to help with this activity.

“Anyone with concerns about a suspected drink or drug driver is urged to contact 101, or 999 in an emergency.”