Alcohol Concern welcomes the Government drink drive campaign

6th December 2004

Geethika Jayatilaka, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Alcohol Concern, says:

?We welcome the Government?s drink drive warning, which comes at a crucial time of year when, inevitably, people will be going out drinking more than usual.

?Previous campaigns to reduce drink-drive offences at Christmas have been successful, yet the rise in the death toll caused by drink driving again this year indicates that without a constant push from the Government on new drink-drive measures, drivers will continue to be complacent.

?With the introduction of larger pub measures and stronger alcohol content of many drinks, some pub-goers will unwittingly be drinking more than perhaps intended and will be unaware of the risks in doing so. It?s impossible to work out if you?re over or under the limit. The safest bet for anyone driving is to not drink at all.

?We?d like to see the legal limit for driving reduced from 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood to 50mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, with more publicity in on and off licenses and enforcement of these levels all year round.

?We would also welcome more random breathalyser tests from police and would be happy to see the drinks trade lower their soft drink prices.?

ENDS

For press enquiries please contact Sophie Davison, Alcohol Concern press office on 020 7928 7377.

Note to Editors

Alcohol Concern is the national agency working to reduce alcohol related harm in society. We campaign for action on alcohol misuse, making recommendations to key policy makers and professionals. We also help develop the level and quality of alcohol services available to problem drinkers and their families.

Date: 06 December 2004