Latest News Stories

Drink drivers would get 'second chance' under planned government scheme

24/04/08

The government is looking to shake up the drink driving laws and replace an automatic ban with a 'two strikes and you're out' system, reports the Times.

It is thought that the government may try to lower the current legal limit amount from 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood to just 50 mg.

Under this scheme, drivers caught over the new limit but under 80 mg would receive six penalty points or a fine and may be asked to attend alcohol awareness classes, something that could impact their car insurance premiums.

If the driver was caught drink driving again within five years then they would be disqualified.

However, motorists who had an alcohol level over 80 mg would still receive an automatic ban regardless of number of offences.

A consultation paper will be published in the next month encouraging discussion in parliament on the proposals.

Cathy Keeler, head of campaigns at road safety charity Brake told the Times: "We will save the most lives by reducing the limit and keeping the automatic ban. We must not distort the simple message that being caught over the limit results in disqualification."

Around half of all convicted drink drivers are recorded with blood alcohol levels in excess of 150 mg, according to charity Alcohol Aware.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Transport Association said that any changes to the drink drive limit in the country - while welcomed - would need to be "easy to understand", according to a spokesperson quoted on its website.

In a study by University College London, a 50 mg limit would potentially prevent 65 deaths a year.

Searching for cheap car insurance online?go to Dial Direct