Holidaymakers arriving BACK at Scots airport face strict new police checks coming through passport control
TRAVELLER'S CHECKS Holidaymakers arriving BACK at Scots airport face strict new police checks coming through passport control
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SCOTTISH holidaymakers are facing tougher checks coming through passport control as cops launch a fresh crackdown.
A new operation has been launched by cops during the summer holiday season.
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A new operation has been launched by cops targeting drivers who arrive back in the country
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Police Scotland's border policing and traffic units have teamed up for the trial operation
Credit: Police Scotland
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Police hope the scheme could stop dangerous drivers getting on the roads
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Police Scotland announced they were launching Operation Safe Landing to catch lawbreakers at airports.
The scheme aims to stop drink or drug drivers getting on the roads when they return from holidays.
Holidaymakers often take a drink on the plane on their way back, but even one bevvy can put them over Scotland's strict drink driving limit.
Anyone who took drugs on holiday might still have them in their system when they return and get in their car.
Plane passengers could also be suffering from "travel fatigue" after a long flight, especially with jet-lag and any delays along the way and make it more likely for them to have a crash and potentially kill others.
The fear has seen the national force's Border Policing and traffic units team up to stop potentially dangerous drivers getting on the roads after a trip abroad.
Border Policing Inspector Kelly Manson said: "We understand that for many, a drink on a flight can be part of the holiday experience.
"However, the legal drink-drive limit in Scotland is strict, and the effects of alcohol, coupled with potential travel fatigue, can significantly impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.
'Operation Safe Landing is about ensuring everyone arriving at the airport gets home safely, without putting themselves or others at risk.
"This pilot project will be evaluated with a view to rolling it out to other areas."
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The trial scheme is being rolled out at Aberdeen Airport.
It will involve a larger police presence at the airport, who will carry out checks on vehicles.
They will also speak with passengers and even do booze and drug tests on drivers.
Cops say the scheme has the potential to save lives on the roads and could be rolled out to other airports if it is a success.
Road Policing Inspector Steve Manson added: "We are committed to prioritising road safety and our officers are out every day educating road users and carrying out enforcement.
'If you choose to drink alcohol on your flight, please make safe arrangements for your journey from the airport.
'Drink driving kills and seriously injures people. The decision can be life changing for you and the people around you.
'We're asking everyone to take responsibility and help us save lives.'
Scotland's drink driving laws
SCOTLAND has a zero tolerance approach to drink driving.
The legal limit of alcohol in the body is so low that even ONE drink can put a person over it.
The current limit is: 22 microgrammes (mcg) of alcohol in 100 ml of breath
50 milligrammes (mg) of alcohol in 100ml of blood
67 milligrammes (mg) in 100 ml of urine
The penalties for drink-driving in Scotland include a minimum 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000, a criminal record and in some cases, a prison sentence.
Scotland has some of the toughest drink driving laws, with a zero tolerance approach.
Police Scotland nailed 8,568 drivers for being on the roads while drunk or on drugs in the past year.
This has seen Operation Safe Landing welcomed by airport bosses.
Robert Paterson, Head of Operations at Aberdeen International Airport, said: "We welcome the introduction of Operation Safe Landing by Police Scotland.
'Passenger safety is always a key focus for us, and this initiative supports that goal by encouraging responsible behaviour when travelling.
'We understand that holidays are a time to relax, but it's important that everyone considers how they'll get home safely.
'We're pleased to work alongside Police Scotland to help raise awareness and ensure Aberdeen International Airport remains a safe and supportive environment for all travellers."
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