Consultation on new drink driving laws

Environment Minister Alex Attwood today launched consultation on new drink driving laws that include lower limits for all drivers.

Minister Attwood said: “In launching this consultation, I am taking an important step forward in tackling the problem of drink driving.

“Over the last five years 83 people have been killed and 917 seriously injured by drivers impaired by drink or drugs. This is totally unacceptable and I am determined to tackle this issue.”

Late last year, Minister Attwood announced his plans for the biggest shake up in drink driving laws since the limit was first introduced in 1968. Today’s announcement marks the next step in that process and provides an opportunity for the public to comment on how the legislation is drafted.

Minister Attwood continued: “The draft Bill I am making public today includes the legislation that will introduce lower drink drive limits and a new graduated penalty regime. It also includes new powers for roadside check-points where all drivers could be asked to take a breath test.

“I have yet to take final decisions on details such as the appropriate penalties for drivers who will not learn and who are caught drink driving more than once. I want to hear what people have to say, and this consultation will help me to establish the best way forward. I plan to bring this Bill to the Assembly by the end of the year and will do everything in my power with a view to the legislation being passed by summer 2013.

“When that Bill is introduced, it will also include legislation that will establish, in the North of Ireland, the most radical advances in driver training and improvements in new driver safety anywhere on these islands. This will build the argument for reductions in premiums and challenge the insurance industry to match our determination and drive down costs for young drivers. The Executive has agreed my policy proposals on Thursday 5 July 2012 in this area and drafting will shortly begin on the necessary powers.”

The Minister concluded: “I believe that this is the most wide ranging and bold road safety initiative in more than a generation and that it will save lives.”

The consultation period begins on 10 July 2012 and ends on October 5.

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