§ 31. Mr. Garel-Jonesasked the Minister of Transport what response he has received to his consultation document on drinking and driving.
§ Mr. FowlerI have now received comments from over 100 organisations. These include those representing the local authority associations, the police, the courts, the legal and medical professions, motorists and other road users, road safety, trade, industry and consumers. There is general acceptance of the need to improve the law by simplifying the procedures used. Most organisations favour a move to breath testing for evidential purposes although some have expressed doubts about the accuracy and reliability of the machines which have been on trial. There is also general acceptance in principle for the introduction of a special procedure for high risk 193W offenders. There is, however, a division of opinion on whether the present restrictions on the power of the police to test at the roadside should be removed.