A total of 4,427 Scottish motorists were taken to court last year for ‘driving under the influence’ (DUI) according to figures published in today’s Criminal Proceedings in Scotland report.

Although this represents a decrease on the previous year, prosecutions are still up 15% compared with a decade ago - highlighting a persistent core of motorists who continue to risk lives by driving after consuming alcohol.

The number of drivers convicted was 4,260 - giving Scotland a 96% conviction rate for DUI offences.

The figures are released as Police Scotland gets underway with its annual Christmas and Hogmanay drink and drug drive campaign, which runs until 2 January 2026. Drivers can expect an increase in roadside breath testing, with targeted patrols in known drink-drive hotspots such as Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, the Highlands, South Lanarkshire and Edinburgh.

Last Christmas, officers carried out 4,779 breath tests and 963 roadside drug wipes, resulting in over 1,300 offences detected - the highest activity levels seen in recent years.

In 2023, ten people were killed by a drink driver and 300 were injured, according to Transport Scotland. While a reduction on the previous year, the toll remains “unacceptably high”, says Hunter Abbott, Managing Director of personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense.

“It only takes one impaired driver to devastate families,” comments Abbott. “With Scotland’s lower drink drive limit, even small amounts of alcohol can put you over the legal threshold.”

“The only reliable way to know you’re safe and legal to drive is to self-test with a personal breathalyser. Particularly the morning after a night out, when alcohol can remain in your system for many hours.”

Abbott warns that December is the highest-risk month for both collisions and enforcement.

“Police Scotland ramp up roadside checks over Christmas and Hogmanay. If you’ve been drinking, your chances of being breathalysed are significantly higher than at other times of year.”

- ends –

9 December 2025

Sources:
Scottish Government: Criminal Proceedings in Scotland 2023–2024
Transport Scotland: Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2024
Police Scotland Festive Drink & Drug Driving Campaign Statistics

» read more

Louise Cole wins Guild of Motoring Writers Award, sponsored by AlcoSense

AlcoSense was delighted to support this year’s Guild of Motoring Writers Awards — the longest established and most prestigious honours in automotive media — which recognise excellence across motoring editorial by both Guild members and non-members.

We sponsored the Campaigning for Motoring category, which celebrates journalism that seeks to improve the lives of all road users, from road safety and electric vehicles to road maintenance and environmental issues.

---

Winner: Louise Cole

The judges selected Louise Cole for her long‑form book that helps fleet managers better support drivers’ wellbeing. Approved by specialist clinicians, charities and academics, her work stood out for its depth, practicality and potential to make a meaningful difference across the industry.

Presentation

Louise received her award at the Guild’s annual dinner, held at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London, on 4 December, presented by AlcoSense Managing Director, Hunter Abbott.

Runners‑up

• Trinity Francis for three wide‑ranging features published in Roadway, UK Plant Operators and Commercial Motor
• Jack Carfrae for a series of features in Transport News

---

Why we sponsored Campaigning for Motoring

As a company dedicated to helping drivers make safer choices, AlcoSense believes high‑quality, evidence‑based journalism has a direct impact on motoring for everyone. We sponsored this award because campaigning writing:

• Improves road safety: Clear, accurate reporting raises awareness of risk factors — such as impairment and distraction — and helps inform better behaviours behind the wheel.
• Supports informed policy and infrastructure: Thoughtful analysis and investigations encourage decision‑makers to invest in safer roads, effective maintenance, and practical EV infrastructure.
• Champions driver wellbeing: Coverage that highlights mental health, fatigue, and workplace pressures empowers fleets and individual drivers to take proactive steps that reduce incidents.
• Accelerates positive change: Persistent, well‑researched campaigns help move good ideas from headlines to standards, guidance and everyday practice.

In short, great motoring journalism doesn’t just tell the story; it helps make the roads safer, cleaner and more efficient for all.

---

About the Guild of Motoring Writers

The Guild of Motoring Writers is a professional association representing automotive media across print, digital and broadcast. It supports high standards in reporting, provides networking and development opportunities for members, and celebrates outstanding work through its annual awards programme. The Guild’s community includes journalists, authors, photographers and content creators who cover everything from road safety and consumer issues to engineering, motorsport and sustainability.

About the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall

The Royal Automobile Club is one of the UK’s most historic motoring institutions and private members’ clubs, with its London clubhouse on Pall Mall renowned for hosting notable automotive events and celebrations. Its elegant rooms and heritage make it a fitting setting for recognising excellence in motoring journalism and the wider contribution of the media to safer, smarter mobility.

---

AlcoSense is proud to recognise work that makes a tangible difference to road users. Congratulations to Louise Cole, and well done to Trinity Francis and Jack Carfrae for their outstanding contributions.

» read more