The government plans to lower the alcohol limit for motorists to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, from the existing 80mg limit. This is equivalent of less than a pint of beer or glass of wine.
One would have thought good news, hoverer it transpires that drink drivers might not automatically lose their licences Those caught driving over the new limit would be subject to a ‘two strikes and you’re out rule’ under which they would receive six penalty points for the first offence and only be disqualified from driving if they reoffended within five years.
Confused? Yes so am I as are road safety groups who fear that abolishing the automatic ban will send a misleading message to motorists. It could encourage some to risk drinking and driving because the consequences of being caught would be less serious than they are now.
Under the proposal, the automatic ban for breaching the 80mg level would be maintained but offenders having alcohol levels between 50mg and 80mg would be penalised only with points on their licence and a fine, or possibly be instructed to attend an alcohol awareness course.
Apparently the Government is concerned that if it maintains the automatic 12-month driving ban for breaching the drink-drive limit, thousands more drivers could lose their licences and therefore risk losing their jobs.
Oh what a shame! They should have thought of that before downing the last pint. I have never heard such rubbish in all my life.