When motorists themselves take an increasingly hard line on drinking and driving – see below – you can be sure that the wider public will be in agreement, and that it reflects growing awareness of the need for responsible drinking throughout society. The hospitality industry is fully aware of this issue, and must continue to respond positively to initiatives that result, including the seemingly inevitable reduction of the drink-drive alcohol limit.
The latest poll by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) shows 80% of motorists saying that those who repeatedly drink drive should have their vehicles seized and sold or scrapped, with 50% thinking that this should also happen to drivers several times over the limit.
Reduce the drink-drive limit
The respondents were also behind reducing the drink-drive limit: 66% want to see the limit reduced, with most of these saying it should be lowered to a maximum of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. 28% think we should have a zero-tolerance policy.
People convicted of drink driving generally lose their licence for a year and receive an average fine of £240. 57% think this is too weak, and that punishments for drink drivers should be tougher – 38% favour much tougher.
Other findings include:
- 55% of poll respondents support a proportionate, graduated system of penalties, if the limit was reduced. For example, lower penalties would be given to drivers caught under the current limit, but above the new one.
- Almost half of respondents admit to having a drink while driving, within the current limit.
- 79% say a decrease in the limit wouldn’t affect their enjoyment of an evening out. 19% said it would.
- 84% said a reduction in the limit wouldn’t change their plans to go out.
IAM chief executive Simon Best said:
“The support is there for tougher treatment of drink drivers. Not only do the majority want a lower limit – they also want tougher punishment for those that break the law, especially the worst offenders who present the greatest danger to other road users, their passengers and themselves.
“Our poll shows a desire to see more effective drink drive levels as well as much greater consistency of enforcement, prosecution, and sentencing, which reflects the level of danger associated with drinking drivers.”
The results come from an online poll on the IAM’s website which was conducted in July 2012 and received 2,114 responses.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are both consulting on reducing the drink-drive limit to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.