Crimestoppers Scotland has launched a summer campaign to encourage the public to speak up about drink driving.

In the past year the crime-fighting charity received more than 550 pieces of information from the Scottish public about the offence, which was given to police.

As a result of this information, 66 positive actions were taken by Police Scotland and eight individuals were arrested and charged.

With the weather warming up and barbecue season encouraging drinking in the daytime, the temptation to drive while over the limit may be higher.

Now Crimestoppers is urging anyone who has information about individuals regularly drink driving to get in contact.

Members of the public may see their friends, family, work colleagues or neighbours regularly getting behind the wheel while over the limit but do not want to go to the police because their fear being identified.

But those who contact Crimestoppers will remain completely anonymous.

The charity does not take personal details. Calls through the 0800 555 111 phone line cannot be tracked and information passed through the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org cannot be traced.

Angela Parker, national manager for Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “Those who drink drive are not only endangering their own lives, they’re putting others at risk too.

“By giving information to us, you could help take a potentially dangerous driver off the road. Vital information you give could stop an accident from happening and may even save a life.

“We understand it can be difficult for people to give information – especially if the person committing the offence is a family member or friend but it’s important to do the right thing.

“Information passed to Crimestoppers is completely anonymous. We never ask for personal details and we cannot trace calls or 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.” Crimestoppers’ campaign runs alongside activity by Road Safety Scotland and Police Scotland New research from Police Scotland has revealed that there has been a 17 per cent decrease in drink driving offences from January to March this year.

Figures show there were 997 incidents compared to 1209 during the same period in 2014.

The revelation follows the introduction of Scotland’s new lower drink drive limit on 5 December 2014.

Police Scotland continue to take a hard-line approach to drink driving – motorists are stopped and breath tested every two minutes.

If you have any information on those who regularly drink drive you can contact 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.