Christmas night out coming up? Arrive alive by using the trams instead of driving so you can enjoy the Hogmanay celebrations and keep roads safe for everyone.
We’re partnering with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland this festive season to encourage you to plan your travel in advance, and to use public transport rather than taking the risk of driving after drinking or using drugs.
Last year, Police Scotland recorded a total of 831 drink and drug-driving offences during the festive period. This year’s campaign aims to remind people that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal but can also destroy lives. Alcohol and drugs can slow response times, making a collision with serious and sometimes fatal consequences more likely.
In Scotland, having just one drink can be enough to put you over the legal limit, and you can still be over the limit the morning after. By taking the tram this Hogmanay you’re not only protecting yourself, but the lives of those around you.
Police in Scotland carry drug testing kits and can carry out immediate roadside tests for any suspected drug-driving offences. Almost half of these tests are positive, and some drugs can be detected hours or days later. If convicted, you could face up to a 12-month driving ban, a maximum of 11 points on your licence, and up to 6 months in prison.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, head of Road Policing, said:
“Our officers will be working hard to relentlessly target drivers who choose to drink alcohol or take drugs. It doesn’t matter how good a driver you think you are, alcohol or drugs will affect your reactions and your judgement.”
Donald McClurg, our Safety Manager, commented:
"Our trams provide a safe and convenient way to get around the city during the festive season without having to worry about driving after a night out.
"However, as it is a special time for everyone, we would like to encourage all our customers to enjoy the festivities responsibly and be respectful towards our colleagues when using our service."
We’re running our usual timetable every day apart from 25 December, when there will be no trams. On Hogmanay, we’ll run an all night ‘split’ service while Princes St and St Andrew Square are closed, from Newhaven – Picardy Place and West End – Airport. As well as running from every ten minutes all night long, trams after midnight are free of charge, to get you home as quickly and safely as possible. Find out more info about the timetables here.
