Bluetooth to combat drink-driving

The police are sending messages to people's phones by Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology is being used as part of this year's festive drink-drive campaign in Lothian and the Borders.

Lothian and Borders Police is the first force in Scotland to drive home the message to motorists using the technology.

The campaign is due to run until 4 January.

Officers are sending out anti drink-drive messages to Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, through a central broadcasting device.

The publicity campaign, backed by drinks business Diageo, will also see anti drink-drive messages posted on the back of 40 buses, as well as on the back of more than 500,000 parking vouchers.

Posters warning motorists to Curb the Danger will also be sent to pubs and clubs.

Insp Colin Shillito, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: "At this time of year people will be looking forward to enjoying themselves with friends and colleagues, and the last thing we want to do is prevent them from doing so.

"However, we do ask that people remain mindful of the dangers of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs and that people make arrangements to get home safely after their festive nights out.

"This is the first time Lothian and Borders Police has used Bluetooth technology to communicate the drink-drive message and we are hoping that we will reach the 17-25 year old age group."