Major new driving law changes could be introduced soon after the Government pledged to “look at” drink-driving rules amid data showing a growing number of deaths on the road.
Data from the RAC found that 38 per cent of British motorists want tougher sentences for drunk drivers, which resulted in around 300 deaths in 2022.
One-third of motorists support giving police forces new powers to immediately disqualify drivers who have been drinking at the roadside to crack down on those breaking rules.
At present, only courts can impose bans, meaning motorists are still able to drive until their court date after being stopped by a police officer.
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The Transport Secretary has hinted at reviewing drink driving laws
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This proposal has been backed by Chief Constable of Sussex Police Jo Shiner, saying that police could “immediately take that risk off the road”.
In response to the findings, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said tackling drink-driving was a “priority” for her and the Government.
Speaking to LBC earlier today, the MP for Swindon South said it “might be time to have a look at those (laws)” and hinted that a review could take place.
She added: “This is a conversation that I’ve been having with officials in the first couple of weeks that I’ve been in post.
“I was appointed three weeks ago and one of the first things I said to do was to get the team in who are working on a new road safety strategy that my predecessor committed to. I think she was entirely right to do that.”
In England, Northern Ireland and Wales, the legal limit of alcohol is 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, while the limit in Scotland is 50mg.
The UK has some of the most lenient drink-driving rules in Europe, although Scotland has pushed for laws to be tightened in recent years.
The RAC research found that around 32 per cent of people said that convicted drink drivers should have alcohol interlocks (“alcolocks”) fitted to their vehicles to prevent them from driving if they are under the influence.
Shockingly, eight per cent of people surveyed by the RAC admitted to drink-driving in the past 12 months. However, this is still dramatically lower than pre-pandemic levels where 19 per cent said they had in 2018.
Rod Dennis, road safety spokesperson for the motoring organisation, said measures needed to be introduced as part of the upcoming road safety strategy to save hundreds of lives every year.
He added that stronger deterrents would hammer home that motorists will face serious consequences if they are caught drink-driving.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, said: “In policing, we see the damaging impact of drink and drug driving all too often and every fatality or serious injury which happens as a consequence of this is completely avoidable.
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“Driving under the influence of drink or drugs puts everyone at risk – individuals, families, businesses and whole communities.
“Together we must do everything we can to put a stop to this irresponsible and incredibly dangerous behaviour.”
