Tougher drink and belt laws on way
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PROPOSALS contained in the Blennerhassett Report on drinking and driving, which would toughen the penalties for both heavy goods and van drivers, are to be introduced as soon as possible, Transport Minister William Rodgers announced this week.
Speaking to the Motor Schools Association, in Worthing, Mr Rodgers said that over half the drivers killed in road accidents during 1976 had alcohol in their blood — and over one third of them were over the legal limit.
"I find these figures profoundly disturbing — and if the figures for young drivers are looked at separately they are even worse," said Mr Rodgers. The Blennernassett report suggested raising the maximum fine for driving while the blood contains more than the permitted level of alcohol from E400 to £1,000 and taking away the present option to cake a urine test instead pf the blood test.
Mr Rodgers said that in recent years the effect of the drink and drive laws has deteriorated to such an extent that the problem is now worse than it was.
He is also to press for the introduction of the compulsory wearing of seat belts in vans. "The loss of freedom associated with the compulsory wearing of seat belts would affect a great many people to a very small degree," said Mr Rodgers.