Banned drunk drivers face a battle to win back their licences as part of a new road safety crackdown

29th June 2008

The worst drink driving offenders will soon have to go into REHAB and pass a MEDICAL in order to prove they have stopped drinking alcohol.

They'll also have to take their driving test again after they have served a 12 month driving ban.

There are even plans to ban them from cars which have not been fitted with a device that immobilises the engine unless the driver has taken and passed a breathalyser test. These rules which are due to come into place next year will target those that have been caught 2 ½ times over the legal limit.

Anyone who is caught more than twice in 10 years or who refuses to give a sample will also be subject to the new rules.

Kevin Delaney, who is a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said last night: "Anyone who is convicted of dangerous or drink-driving should be reqiured to pass another test. We must make sure that people do not pose a threat before we return their licences back to them. "I do sympathise with people with alcohol problems - but they should not be taking those problems behind the wheel."

And Adam Cracknell, of the RAC motoring organisation, said: "The more stringent you can be about returning licences the better.

"This will help change people's attitudes to drink-driving."

The new plans are to be unveiled this summer by Roads minister Jim Fitzpatrick. He vowed: "We remain committed to tackling drink-driving, including ways of making police enforcement easier.

"We will emphasise the serious personal consequences of a drink-drive conviction."

Ther is to be a new publicity campaign to hit home the message that drink-drive penalties will stay on the record for 11 years.

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