Cops cracking down on drug-taking Ayrshire drivers have detected motorists who've failed wipe tests for cocaine and cannabis.
Inspector Craig Beaver of Ayrshire Road Policing Unit has vowed to clampdown on drink and drug drivers on the roads over the festive period.
It comes as a national campaign is launched by Police Scotland to stop motorists under the influence of drink and drugs.
Last year, more than 600 drivers were detected for drink and drug driving offences during the festive sting.
Road chief Inspector Beaver has told how his officers have already caught a number of Ayrshire motorists this week who failed a drug wipe test for cannabis and cocaine.
The drivers were stopped by officers as part of road safety checks across the region this week.
Drink and drug users can be tested using a breath test or even have their saliva tested by the roadside.
Inspector Beaver said: “Road Policing officers supported by divisional colleagues have carried out a number of static road safety checks this week as part of our Festive Drink and Drug Drive and Winter Road Safety campaigns.
“Disappointingly, we have detected a number of drivers who have failed the drug wipe for cannabis and cocaine.”
Officers also discovered a small minority of motorists who were caught speeding with vehicles that are not fit for the road.
One driver was caught hitting speeds of 92mph on the A78, with the drivers tyres also found to have been in a dangerous state.
Some vehicles have been forced off the road or seized by cops as part of the clampdown.
Inspector Beaver added: “In addition, our officers have also detected a small minority of motorists excessively exceeding the speed limit with vehicles that are not fit for the road.
“This has resulted in a number of vehicles prohibited and seized from the road with the drivers now the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal.
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“I would appeal to drivers to ensure that their vehicles are fit for the road and to drive according to the prevailing road and weather conditions.
“If you know someone who is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, then please contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Police Scotland’s road chief has told how the drugs and alcohol use continues to be a factor in fatal and serious crashes.
Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, head of Road Policing said: "We continue to see the minority of motorists put themselves and others at considerable risk by driving after consuming alcohol or drugs, despite repeated warnings about the dangers.
“Driving under the influence reduces your ability to react to what is happening on the road and sadly continues to be a factor in fatal and serious injury collisions.”
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