Police are to stage early morning road checks as part of a fresh drink-driving crackdown.

Officers will also be encouraging Scots to stop friends and colleagues from getting behind the wheel after drinking, or contact police if they know someone is driving while over the limit.

The annual crackdown this year has a particular focus on people who are still over the limit from consuming alcohol the night before.

Strathclyde Police will join officers around the country in running breathalyser checks on people driving first thing in the morning, hoping to catch out drivers who get in the car after Christmas nights out.

Few people realise that they can be over the limit after having only three or four drinks the night before, police said.

Superintendent Niven Rennie, Head of Strathclyde Police Road Policing Department, warned drink drivers that they should not expect to get away with the crime over the Christmas period.

He said: "Many people think that if they have a drink and then get into their cars to drive they won't get caught but that is simply not the case.

"Over the next few weeks, officers will be out in force and high profile road checks will be in place to deter and detect offenders.

"I know that this is a time of year when there are many Christmas lunches and parties and people have a couple of drinks and think they're okay to drive.

"But these people may not be aware that they are actually over the limit, especially the morning after a night out - varying glass sizes and the strength of the alcohol you are drinking can all contribute to putting you in the danger zone."

He added: "I would also encourage people not to turn a blind eye when a friend or colleague has been drinking and plans to drive home.

"These people are potentially a danger to themselves and other road users and this misguided loyalty could lead to a loss of life or someone being seriously injured.

"If people don't want to speak to the police then they can call Crimestoppers and give the information anonymously."

Throughout the festive period officers will also be issuing questionnaires to motorists who are caught drink-driving, with a view to compiling a comprehensive profile of Scots' attitudes towards driving over the limit.

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