HC Deb 14 July 1986 vol 101 cc394-5W
22. Mr. Nicholas Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the operation of the Transport Act 1981 as it relates to drunken driving.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The main aim of the provisions was to improve the effectiveness of the law on drinking and driving by providing or introduction of evidential breathalysers. Various loopholes which allowed suspects to avoid prosecution on legal technicalities were closed. The Act extended police powers to require a roadside breath test to those who had been driving or had been in charge of a vehicle. Those measures came into force in May 1983. A substantial period of monitoring will be needed before firm conclusions are drawn as to their impact.

28. Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what further steps he is taking to discourage drinking and driving; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Dormand).