Of those, seven were as a direct result of calls to the police from the public and another one as a result of a call from an off duty police officer.

And Tayside Police believes they have sent a very clear message to offenders that their criminal behaviour will not be tolerated by the law abiding community.

Eleven of the 13 were arrested for drink driving offences. Two were arrested for driving whilst being unfit to do so through drugs.

Chief inspector Sandy Bowman, Head of Road Policing in Tayside said:
"I am extremely pleased with the public response to the first week of this year's campaign. As a result of phone calls from the public we took positive action against a number of drivers. They were arrested and will be put before the courts.

"Those who risk driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs should be aware that people are prepared to phone in and report them. It could be the person standing next to them in the pub or at the Christmas party. It might be a colleague at work or even a family member.

"It's not simply a case of looking out for the police. If you are a drink or drug driver - you are being watched.

"Whilst expressing my thanks to those public-spirited callers, I must stress again the importance of calling the police to anyone concerned that someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"With your assistance we will do all we can to get drink/drug drivers off the road and ensure that they are banned for their behaviour," Sandy added.

During the corresponding period in last year's campaign, 19 drivers were arrested for drink driving and one driver was arrested for drug driving offences.

Among those arrested this year was a 45-year-old man in Arbroath who was found to be nearly five times the drink drive limit, while a 54-year-old man who was arrested on the A92 in Angus was found to be nearly three times the limit.

Elsewhere, a 52-year-old disqualified driver was arrested whilst driving on A90 in Perthshire and found to be nearly three times the limit.

And a 17-year-old youth was arrested in Perthshire for a drink driving offence and numerous other road traffic offences.

Three of the 13 arrested were involved in collisions. One of them, a 30-year-old man, was arrested for driving whilst under the influence of drugs on the A977. A 28-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman were arrested following collisions in Perthshire and Dundee respectively.

"All of those arrested were irresponsible and displayed absolute contempt for other road users through their disregard of crucial road traffic legislation that is designed to protect the motoring public and other road users," said a spokesperson.

"A number of shocking examples arising in recent days further illustrate the dangers drivers such as these pose to all road users," they added.

During the first week of the campaign there have been 95 non-injury collisions and 10 injury collisions in Tayside. Fortunately, most were of a minor nature.

- If any member of the public knows or suspects a person of drink or drug driving contact Tayside Police on (01382) 223 200 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.