Government improving tools for drink-driving detection

Date: 23/3/2011

The Department for Transport has revealed a new range of policies that will help reduce the number of drink drivers on the road.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond announced that enhanced technologies will be introduced to improve the accuracy of detecting alcohol in the systems of those who flout the law.

A new offence will also be added, which allows policemen to arrest those found to be under the influence of drugs while behind the wheel, without the need to prove impairment on a case-by-case basis.

Mr Hammond said: "Drink and drug-driving are serious offences and we are determined to ensure they are detected and punished effectively."

The Commons Select Committee recently told car insurance companies that they should fund a new police unit that will be charged with reducing the number of false injury claims to get compensation.

Louise Ellman, Chair of the Transport Committee, said that it would be beneficial both to insurance firms and their customers.

Posted by Sarah Bailey