Call For Tougher Drink Laws

Shock Christmas drink-drive figures have prompted calls for tougher laws from outspoken police chief Richard Brunstrom.

Auto Express Car Reviews

12th January 2005

The number of accidents attended by cops between 18 December last year and 2 January 2005 where drivers tested positive was down. But it was only 0.16 per cent less than in the 2004 festive season - despite a high-profile ad campaign throughout the celebrations.

Brunstrom, the chief constable of North Wales, said: "I reiterate my belief that it's time the Government followed the European Commission recommendation that the blood alcohol limit be lowered from 80mg to 50mg."

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA's road safety head, agreed, pinpointing the forthcoming Road Safety Bill as a way to change the law and allow breath tests to be carried out more easily.

He told us: "We are one of only four countries in the EU with a level above 50mg. Ministers must act to cut the limit now and prevent more needless deaths on our roads."