§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of drivers randomly tested were found to be over the legal alcohol limit in the last year for which figures are available. [42714]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe police do not have powers to take breath samples from motorists on a random basis. Motorists may be breath tested following an accident, when they appear to have committed a moving traffic offence or where there is a suspicion of alcohol use.
In 1996, the latest year for which figures are available, 781,100 breath tests were administered in England and Wales and in 13 per cent. of those, either the test showed a positive (over the limit) reading or the driver refused to provide a sample.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy on the amount of alcohol which may be safely consumed by those intending to drive; and if he will make a statement. [42715]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe limit up to which a person can legally drive after consuming alcohol is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. However, alcohol affects people in different ways according to factors such as the person's sex, body weight and whether food has been consumed. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair performance. The Department's advice, which is endorsed by its current drink-drive publicity campaign, is therefore not to drink and drive.