DRIVERS you have been warned!

That was the message from Police Scotland as they launched their new Don’t Risk It Campaign.

The campaign’s launch was on the same day that the new drink drive limit came into effect.

The new lower limit is now 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.

This means it is no longer safe to have one pint of lager or a glass of wine before getting behind the wheel, so the advice from police is – have none and stay safe. Don’t Risk It.

Officers from Police Scotland were in Irvine’s Bridgegate this week campaigning to the public to let them know of the new limit and the risks involved.

Police used a taxi, a police car, an ambulance and a hearse to challenge drivers with the question - ‘Who’s taking you home tonight?’ on the same day the national festive campaign was launched and a lower drink drive limit introduced.

Chief Inspector Tim Ross, Director of Community Safety at North Ayrshire Council, said: “On Friday, December 5 a lower drink drive limit was introduced across Scotland, this weekend we have been working with our Community Planning partners in North Ayrshire to drive home the message that there is no safe amount of alcohol to drink before getting behind the wheel. Our advice to drivers is simple – don’t risk it.” On Saturday officers were joined by colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to speak with passers by and highlight the very real dangers of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A crash damaged vehicle was on display as a stark reminder of the dangers posed when not in proper control of a vehicle.

Since the changes came into effect on Friday December 5, the likelihood of being caught is now greater than ever before.

It’s estimated that Police Scotland stop over 80,000 vehicles each month, with around 20,000 offences detected.

The Drink Driving campaign is all about the devastating consequences of being caught and the message that Scotland remains tough on drink and driving.

According to police many people don’t realise that if you’re convicted of drink driving you’ll get a 20-year minimum criminal record.

If the offence is also punished by a prison sentence, then you get a minimum 40-year criminal record. For example, if at 18 years of age, you are convicted of a drink driving offence, you will have a criminal record for the next 22 years. If the offence also merits a prison sentence, you will have a criminal record for the next 52 years. Depending on the type of job you have, or that you may apply for, a momentary decision can have very long-lasting consequences.

Don’t let the consequences affect the rest of your life. Don’t risk it. Statistics reveal that one in ten road deaths in Scotland involve drink drivers The new campaign’s aim is also to ensure every driver knows where they stand in terms of the law.

Even if you’re under the limit, you can still be charged with impairment through drink or drugs.