Police in the north believe they are winning the battle against drinking and driving.
The number of drivers detected by police for drink driving offences in the north has fallen year on year, while the number of motorists checked by police has increased.
The north’s top policeman has said he believes that the fall in reports are because less people are drinking and driving.
Chief Superintendent Julian Innes said traffic police had actually carried out more roadside tests than in previous years, but the number of detections had still dropped.
The number of motorists detected for speeding however has risen by 383 year on year – from 1,313 to 1,696.
An extra 186 drivers were reported for seat belt offences, while 41 more drivers were detected for mobile phone offences.
Figures to be put before a Highland Council committee this week show that the number of drink drivers detected made by police fell from 166 to 153 year on year.
The statistics were collected between April 1 and August 31.
These figures include drivers who failed to give a specimen when requested by officers.
Mr Innes said: “I genuinely believe that there are less people out there drinking and driving and that is why we are catching less motorists breaking the law.
“I am very pleased with our performance in road safety.
“There have been more people caught for misusing a phone while driving, more people caught for speeding, more people caught for not using a seat belt and more people caught for driving without insurance.
“I think that shows we are doing our job to a high quality level.”
The figures will be presented by Mr Innes to councillors sitting on the community safety committee which will meet on tomorrow.