Get tough on drink driving say motorists

Eighty per cent of motorists say those who repeatedly drink drive should have their vehicles seized and sold or scrapped, according to a poll by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists). Fifty per cent think that this should also happen to drivers several times over the limit.

The respondents were also behind reducing the drink-drive limit. Sixty-six per cent 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. Twenty-eight per cent think there should be a zero-tolerance policy.

People convicted of drink driving generally lose their licence for a year and receive an average fine of £240. Fifty-seven per cent think this is too weak, and that punishments for drink drivers should be tougher – 38% much tougher.

Other findings include:

• 55% of poll respondents support a proportionate, graduated system of penalties, if the limit was reduced,
• 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, and
• 84% said a reduction in the limit wouldn’t change their plans to go out.