Holidaymakers dreaming of stress-free drives across Scotland this summer should brace for extra checks, longer routes and plenty of blue lights. Police Scotland’s new crackdown on drink and drug driving is in full swing — and it’s reshaping how people hit the road.
The operation runs until mid-July but its effects could linger, especially for those planning big family getaways. Extra patrols, surprise checkpoints and random tests mean travellers will need more patience than usual.
Glasgow Tops the List for Offences
New data makes it plain: Glasgow is Scotland’s drink-driving hotspot. According to the latest Recorded Crime in Scotland report, the city logged over 1,000 incidents in just twelve months — more than any other area.
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North Lanarkshire and Highland follow close behind with hundreds of offences each. It’s not just a city issue either — country lanes, rural roads and remote Highland routes see their share of dangerous driving too.
Locals in Glasgow say the risk is obvious. With so many pubs, events and busy roads all mixing together, the chance of running into an impaired driver late at night spikes.
What This Means for Your Summer Getaway
For travellers heading to Scotland’s postcard spots — the Highlands, Skye, or Edinburgh’s festival streets — the timing couldn’t be more awkward. Summer is peak road trip season. More cars, more campervans, more kids asking, “Are we there yet?”
Expect more traffic stops and longer waits.
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Police have promised more roadside checks around major routes out of Glasgow and other top destinations. If you’re planning a dawn departure to beat the crowds, you may still find yourself queueing at a checkpoint, breathalyser at the ready.
How Police Scotland’s Crackdown Works
This isn’t just a “slow down” sign on a rural roundabout. Police Scotland’s operation ramps up every summer but this year, they’ve promised more officers, more checkpoints and more eyes on suspicious drivers.
You’re likely to see:
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Random breath tests at surprise roadblocks.
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Sobriety checks on routes in and out of cities.
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Patrol cars waiting near event venues.
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More late-night stops, especially at weekends.
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These aren’t just for show. Officers say visible enforcement reminds drivers to think twice before grabbing the keys after a few drinks. It’s working too — surveys show that even the threat of a checkpoint can change behaviour.
Where Are the Risky Roads?
Not all roads carry the same risk. Some stretches are known for their tricky turns, wildlife hazards and now, the added danger of drink and drug drivers.
NatureScot’s recent deer collision report ties in here too — rural routes through forests or farmland can become double trouble: watch for deer and watch for drunk drivers.
Here’s a look at some areas with higher risks:
| Area | Annual Drink-Driving Offences |
|---|---|
| Glasgow | 1,026 |
| North Lanarkshire | 745 |
| Highland | 654 |
| Edinburgh | 512 |
| Aberdeenshire | 460 |
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Tourist roads like the A82 up to Loch Ness or the NC500 around the northern coastline aren’t immune. If anything, they’re magnets for people chasing that perfect view — sometimes after a dram or two.
Smart Travel Tips for a Safer Trip
So how do you keep your summer road trip from turning into a headache? Police Scotland’s advice is straightforward, but worth repeating:
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Designate a sober driver. Simple, obvious, but vital.
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Plan your route and allow extra time for checkpoints.
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Stay alert at dawn and dusk when deer and tired drivers are out.
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Keep your documents — licence, insurance — close at hand.
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Use public transport or taxis if you’re planning to drink.
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Families should also think about distractions. Loud kids, snack wrappers and sat nav arguments all mess with your focus. Keep your eyes on the road — especially now.
What Locals and Tourists Are Saying
For some, the crackdown’s extra delays feel like a small price to pay. “I’d rather be late than be hit by someone who’s drunk,” says Amy, a student in Glasgow who’s planning a camping trip to Skye. “You still see people who think one pint is fine. It’s not.”
Others grumble that it’s yet another travel hassle. Some tourist businesses worry that long waits at roadblocks could put off day-trippers. But overall, public sentiment seems to lean heavily toward safety first.
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After all, Scotland’s wild landscapes look much better when you arrive in one piece — and so do your insurance premiums.
