Changes to the drink driving law – what do Newton Abbot people think?
By newtonnews | Wednesday, June 16, 2010, 11:51
A major shake up in the drink driving law is being proposed today – slashing the legal limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.
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Slashing the legal drink-drive limit.
Also suggested is that police should be allowed to conduct breath tests at any time – as opposed to the present law of only carrying out a breath test only if a motorist has been driving erratically, been involved in an accident or committed another offence while driving.
News sources have stated that ministers will agree to consider the findings of an official review of drink-drive rules, which will recommend bringing Britain in line with most of Europe.
Road safety campaigners say the move would prevent up to 65 deaths and 230 serious injuries a year.
Critics say a lower limit will force many rural pubs to close, as well as criminalising thousands of motorists.
An article in the Daily Mail says:
“The current 80mg limit allows a man of average build to drink between one-and a half and two pints of normal strength beer or three small glasses of wine and remain within the law.
"With a 50mg limit, the average-man would be limited to just under a pint of beer or a large glass of wine and women to half a pint of beer or a small glass of wine.”
What do Newton Abbot people think? Too harsh or a good idea? In a rural area like ours would such a change affect your drinking habits?
Comments
Agree with Jennifer and Janann. Drink driving needs to be clamped down on further. People always try to push the boundaries, so lets give them none to work with.
By kkaren1 at 11:57 on 28/06/10
ReportAs someone who lost their daughter due to the driver being under the influence of drugs and drink I think there should be a zero tolerance. If you want to have the responsibility of being a driver then you should be responsible.
By Janann21 at 10:15 on 26/06/10
ReportSurely Big Steve a reduction in the number of deaths is more important than people having to have a half instead of a pint???
By jennifer2009 at 10:22 on 21/06/10
ReportMaybe controversial but I think the new laws are too harsh. Who is going to drive to a pub out of town to have a half? Taxi's are way too expensive.
By bigsteve2009 at 11:10 on 17/06/10
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