Repeat drink drivers may lose car

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People who drive under the influence of drink and drugs could lose their cars if convicted of a repeat offence.

The warning came as Scottish police forces launched their festive campaigns against drink and drug drivers.

Police will use automatic number plate recognition this year to target repeat offenders.

Drivers who commit their second offence in the last five years risk losing the cars they were caught in - even if the vehicle does not belong to them.

At the campaign launch, Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini spoke of the "misery that drink driving can cause".

Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini's warning to repeat drink drivers

She said that over 10% of deaths on Scottish roads involved drivers who were over the legal limit.

She added: "This year as part of the festive drink-driving campaign there is the added deterrent that they may well lose their cars, as prosecutors will seek their forfeiture in the courts.

"To those drivers out there considering drink-driving, be warned that as well as your licence you might lose your car."

Chief Constable Kevin Smith, of the Association of Chief Police Constables in Scotland, said "This is an excellent example of how we can work closely with our colleagues in the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service to do everything at our disposal to deter such behaviour."

Justice secretary, Kenny MacAskill added: "The message is loud and clear. Whether it is a prison sentence, taking your license or taking your car, you will be caught and you will be punished."

The festive campaign runs from 7 December to 4 January 2010.