A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage people to speak up about drink-driving in a bid to make roads safer.

Bosses at the Crimestoppers charity say many people may see their friends, family, work colleagues or neighbours regularly drink-driving but do not want to go to the police because they fear being identified.

However, those who call Crimestoppers to report someone who gets behind the wheel while under the influence of drink are able to remain completely anonymous.

Angela Parker, national manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland, said: “Too many people lost their lives last year due to drink-drive incidents but there are still people out there who regularly drink-drive and refuse to change their behaviour.

“We want to make the roads a safer place for everyone, so we're urging people to give information to Crimestoppers anonymously about anyone who is regularly drink-driving.

“Crimestoppers never asks for your name or personal details and we cannot trace or record calls or track information given online. You will not have to give a statement to police or go to court. We don’t want to know who you are, just what you know.

"By taking action, you could be helping to save a life – whether it’s the driver or an innocent victim.”

***Scotland is today launching a national campaign to encourage the public to speak up about drink driving.

In the past year (April 2015-March 2016) the independent crime-fighting charity logged 10,000 calls from members of the Scottish public and over 650 were related to drink driving. As a direct result, 63 positive actions were taken by Police Scotland and 23 individuals were arrested and charged.

It is the second most reported category of crime received by Crimestoppers nationally, behind drugs offences.

Many people may see their friends, family, work colleagues or neighbours regularly drink driving, but do not want to go to the police because they fear being identified.

By contacting Crimestoppers you will remain completely anonymous. Calls cannot be tracked through the 0800 555 111 phone line and information passed online through the Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org is non-traceable

Now, in the lead up to Christmas, the charity is urging anyone who has information about regular drink drivers to get in contact.

Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers in Scotland said: “Too many people lost their lives last year due to drink drive incidents. But, there are still people out there who regularly drink drive and refuse to change their behaviour.

“We want to make the roads a safer place for everyone and urge people to give information to Crimestoppers anonymously about anyone who is regularly drink driving.

“Crimestoppers never asks for your name or personal details, we cannot trace or record calls, or track information given online. You will not have to give a statement to police or go to court. We don’t want to know who you are, just

what you know. By taking action you could be helping to save a life – whether it’s the driver or an innocent victim.”

If you have any information on those who regularly drink drive you can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the online secure form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

If you see someone attempting to operate a vehicle whilst intoxicated please call 999 as this may require urgent police action.