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Drink And Drug Driving Levels Putting Road Users Lives At Risk
Tue, 01 Dec 2009

A lack of action on drink and drug driving is putting the lives of Britain’s road users at risk, according to the Liberal Democrats .

The party’s claim comes as official figures for 2008 showed a large increase in the number of UK motorists who were convicted for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs for a second time.

On average, nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of people convicted for drug or drink driving while under had committed the offence before - up 16 per cent from levels recorded in 2000.

According to the figures, re-offending rates were worst in the West Midlands, where 29 per cent of drivers had previously been convicted for a similar crime.

In Bedfordshire, Northumbria, South Wales and West Yorkshire re-offending rates were over 26 per cent, slightly higher than the 24 per cent recorded by London’s Metropolitan Police .

Mark Hunter, road safety spokesman for the Lib Dems, said: "Labour's record of inaction on drink-and-drug-driving 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."
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