The new law to reduce the limit from 80mg in every 100ml of blood to 50mg in every 100ml of blood came into effect on Friday, December 5.

Traffic cops had set up a checkpoint on Glasgow Road, near Hamilton Street, last Monday morning where more than 50 motorists were stopped. Roadside breath tests were carried out, however no one had broken the law.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) recently published research showing that 68 per cent of people would like the Scottish drink drive limit introduced across England and Wales.

An average of 20 people die on Scotland’s roads every year in accidents involving drivers over the legal limit.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Scotland is leading the way across the UK. The new limit has backing from experts, road safety campaigners and the majority of the public north and south of the border.

“We are following the advice of the independent North Review, commissioned by the previous UK Government, which concluded that a lower limit would save lives.

“This change will bring Scotland into line with most of Europe. It’s not about criminalising drivers, it’s about making our roads safer and sending a clear message that even one alcoholic drink will affect the ability to drive. All the evidence from the Republic of Ireland shows reducing the limit means less convictions and lower blood alcohol counts.” Inspector Adam McKenzie, head of road policing for West Dunbartonshire and Argyll, said: “Our message to drivers in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll is, ‘if in doubt, don’t get behind the wheel’.” “Officers have been stopping motorists at different locations to carry out safety checks on their vehicles and taking the opportunity to remind them that the drink-drive limit has changed. Anyone suspected of being over the limit will be breathalysed on site.

“The response from the public so far has been extremely positive and the atmosphere at the checks has been upbeat and friendly.”