§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the introduction of random breath tests for drivers would save lives and if so what is the reason for the delay.
Earl FerrersExperience in the United Kingdom and elsewhere demonstrates that a high level of breath testing by the police, combined with public education and publicity about the dangers of drinking and driving and tough penalties for those convicted of drinking and driving offences, can help to reduce road accidents. We are considering whether the police need powers in addition to those which they have at present, as set out in the written answer on 5th December at col. 131 by my right honourable and learned friend the Attorney-General in another place. These powers already allow them to take tough and effective action, including the stopping of vehicles at random for the purpose of investigating whether its driver has alcohol in his body.