Monday 2nd February 1998

The IAS Welcomes New Drink Drive Proposals

The Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) today welcomed the Government's proposals to combat drink driving, especially the lowering of the limit to 50mg, in the White Paper 'Combating Drink-Driving - Next Steps'.

Speaking for the IAS, Derek Rutherford said,

"It is 30 years since the 80 mgs limit was introduced and it is time to join our European partners in reducing the limit to a more realistic level.

"The evidence is clear - reducing the limit has an effect on drivers at all blood alcohol levels including the 'hard core' of offenders. Lowering the limit will be a valuable contribution to road safety.

"However, we hope the Government will think again about giving the Police powers of unfettered discretion to administer breath tests. We believe that this power is necessary to maximise the benefits of a lower legal limit, and to target the hard core of drink drive offenders".