Festive safety blitz: Cops' spot-checks to target Glasgow drink drivers and unsafe cars

Officers from the road patrol unit for the Greater Glasgow division hope that the roadside checks will encourage motorists to think about the safety of their vehicle and the consequences of driving while over the limit.

Their message is if you think you have had a drink, make alternative transport arrangements for the following morning. The force is also encouraging drivers to carry out basic checks on their vehicle everyday so that it can deal with treacherous wintry conditions.

Dozens of motorists were pulled over during one of the checks at Cathcart Road in Glasgow’s Southside on Thursday morning. The busy road is one of the main routes which takes drivers from the Gorbals area to Govanhill and the rest of the Southside.

Motorists were asked to participate in a number of safety checks to ensure that their vehicle is road worthy. Traffic cops checked tyres, windscreen washers, lights and indicators.

Some motorists were also asked to carry out a breathalyser test to establish that they were driving within the the legal limit. In Scotland, motorists can be prosecuted for failing the drink-drive limit which is 22mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.

Sergeant Nicola Taylor, above, said: “Our winter safety check is about engagement and education as opposed to enforcement.

“We are doing them everyday as part of our festive campaign at various locations all over greater Glasgow.”

She added: “We are checking vehicles to reduce accidents. Simple things cause a lot of accidents on road worthy vehicles.”

Traffic cops are educating motorists by making them aware of things which could cause them problems on the road especially when the temperatures plummet. This can include ensuring that your windscreen wash is full so that you able to clean your windows to improve your visibility.

With the festive period in full swing, morning commuters will also be targeted in a bid to catch those who have been driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Sergeant Taylor said: “There have been a number of arrests for drink driving but it not a massive amount because the message appears to be getting through.

“We think the message is getting through because we are not coming across as many in the mornings. Everyone we are stopping, they are aware of it.”

In their role as traffic cops, the team who are carrying out the checks are often the first to respond to serious road accidents. They know the devastating consequences of someone driving dangerously or under the influence which is why they are hoping to educate as many motorists as possible.

Sergeant Taylor said: “A road traffic accident will effect the people who are seriously injured or in some cases, killed which is horrific.

“Their families have to come to terms with it. If you are a driver who has seriously injured or killed somebody, that’s a difficult thing to live with as well, especially if you are to blame for driving under the influence or speeding in difficult road conditions.”

The road patrol unit are also urging motorists to take notice of the gantry warnings on the motorway which are in place for a reason.

Sergeant Taylor added: “ Abide by the speed limit that are up on the gantry in the motorways. If it says 40mph, it’s 40mph for a reason.”

The road patrol unit will continue their winter safety checks daily across the city in the morning and some evenings throughout the festive period.