Drop In Breathalyser Tests Raises Concerns

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Drop In Breathalyser Tests Raises Concerns

May 3, 2012

The Government have announced that British police are breathalysing fewer car insurance holders now than they have in the past.

The road safety charity Brake has expressed concerns after it was revealed that 10% less drivers had their alcohol levels tested in 2010 than in 2009.

According to official figures police conducted an average of 13 tests per 1,000 population, however, this figure fluctuated quite significantly between regions. For example, whilst North Wales Police undertook 43 test per 1,000, The West Midlands Police only conducted tests on 1 in every 1,000.

It should be noted that, as a young driver, if you are caught over the legal alcohol limit you will face increases in your young drivers insurance as well as prosecution.

Brake has suggested that as a result of the substantial cuts to road policing budgets the battle against drunk-driving is likely to become far more difficult.

The Senior Campaign Officer for Brake, Ellen Booth commented:

“We desperately need greater priority given to roads policing by the government, to ensure drivers are made clear that they can't and won't get away with taking abhorrent and selfish risks."

She added that the message to motorists is "that any amount of alcohol and getting behind the wheel is a risk not worth taking."

Source: http://www.brake.org.uk/latest-news/breath-tests-down-brake-reaction.htm