Action Call Over Drink Driving

• News
• Published: 26 Nov 2009 in Motoring and Car Insurance

Road safety concerns have been raised after new figures revealed a significant rise in re-offending rates for drink and drug-driving.

Data contained in a written parliamentary reply from junior justice minister Claire Ward showed that 24 per cent of motorists convicted in 2008 for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol were repeat offenders.

The figure, an increase from 16 per cent in 2000, prompted calls for action from the Liberal Democrats.

Road safety spokesman Mark Hunter said: "Labour's record of inaction on drink and drug-driving crime is failing Britain and putting our drivers and pedestrians at increased risk.

"We have a drink-drive limit that is 37 per cent higher than European recommendations, and the Government has failed to introduce roadside drugs testing. Labour's warm words on road safety are not enough - action is needed."

The West Midlands reported the highest rates of re-offending at 29 per cent, followed by Bedfordshire, Northumbria, South Wales and West Yorkshire, all of which saw rates over 26 per cent. In London, the figure rose from 14 per cent to 24 per cent.