Police could be given the power to carry out random breath tests on motorists as part of a new package of measures to tackle drink-driving.

 

Campaigners stepped up calls for reductions in the drink-drive limit before the publication today of official statistics on alcohol-related traffic incidents. These are expected to show that there was an overall reduction last year.

 

While ministers said that they would resist demands for lower limits for younger and newly qualified drivers, they confirmed that police may gain extra powers to enforce existing laws. Particular attention will be paid to young drink-drivers after Sir Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer, said last month that teenage drivers should be set a zero limit.

 

The Government is expected to include powers to introduce random breath-testing in a consultation this autumn. Higher penalties and even a reduction of the limit of 80mg per 100ml of blood to the EU average of 50mg may also be considered. Road traffic accidents are the main cause of death among 16 to 18-year-olds.

 

Source: Sunday Times

Good idea they already have randomn breath testing in Australia and New Zealand, and it is a great deterent. They also have zero breath alcohol levels for people under 20 and also in some states for those who have been driving for under 3 years, and the rates of drink driving are low

seems ok to me, but its possibly got more to do with 'reducing crime rates' statistics then anything else <_<. it could be a nuisance, but if you have committed no crime then you should be ok.

I have no problem with this when people are seen to be driving somewhat erratically or if they speed or run a red light.... But actually stopping drivers who drive perfectly CORRECTLY??? Not on. At all....... The Police should need a reason to pull someone over, not just a "hunch".... After all, we don't live in a Police State....Do we.....? :rolleyes: ;)