Concern At 24hr Drink-driving

Safety campaigners have slammed Government plans to extend drinking hours for pubs. The move to bring UK licensing laws into line with those of other European countries would result in more road deaths, according to a leading organisation.

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26th January 2005

The Campaign Against Drinking and Driving (CADD) gives support to drink-drive victims. A spokeswoman warned: "Casualty figures will spiral because people will have access to alcohol socially for 24 hours a day. It is when they have to get behind the wheel that there's a danger."

Later opening hours will also mean a greater risk of being over the limit the morning after. A spokeswoman for road safety charity Brake warned: "Even if you stop drinking at 11pm, you could remain illegal the next day. There is a bigger risk if people are still going at 3am. The Government must make drivers aware of the dangers." However, the Department for Transport said its message won't change if pubs are open longer. "If you are going to drink, don't drive," explained a spokesman.