Legal News
Northern Ireland May Introduce Tougher Drink-driving Laws (28 September 2011)
Date: 28/09/2011
Northern Ireland may face tougher drink-driving laws, as outlined by proposals from environment minister, Alex Attwood. Mr. Attwood wants to reduce current drink-drive limit of 80mg/100ml to 50mg/100ml – a limit that will correspond to that of many European countries. According to Mr. Attwood’s plans, young drivers and those who drive for a living would have to adhere to another lower limit of 20mg/100ml. Mr. Attwood also wants to provide police with the powers to randomly stop drivers in the absence of reasonable suspicion. Mr. Attwood also proposes that, in certain circumstances, a drivers’ right to choose a blood or urine test over a breath test should be removed. The minister claimed that while progress had been made, more work was required to eliminate a drink-drive culture.
Julie Townsend, the deputy chief executive of the road safety charity, Brake, claimed that a 20mg/100ml limit should be enforced across the UK and states that the majority of drivers would be in favour of a tougher stance on drink-driving. Mr. Attwood reiterates that the number of people killed or seriously injured as a result of drink-driving is “totally unacceptable” and that he is “determined” to tackle the issue. Mr. Attwood believes that there is “widespread public support” for changes in the drink-drive limit and believes that the changes proposed will make a significant difference to society as a whole.
The criminal solicitors at Duncan Lewis can provide advice on drink-drive laws across the UK. The team pride themselves on their sound knowledge of the criminal justice system.