Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 13 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 June 2003. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Friday, 20 June 2003 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his Answer of 3rd June, 406 c166W, on drink driving, what plans he has to amend police powers to allow evidential breathtesting at the roadside and to increase penalties; when he plans to introduce these changes; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 3 June 2003, Official Report, column 166W, on drink driving, what plans he has to amend police powers to allow evidential breath-testing at the roadside and to increase penalties; when he plans to introduce these changes; and if he will make a statement. [119993] Mr. Jamieson: As stated in our Road Safety Strategy, the Government intend to create a power for police to carry out evidential breath-testing at the roadside. This measure requires primary legislation and will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time permits. With regard to penalty changes, the Criminal Justice Bill, currently before Parliament, provides for an increase in the maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs from 10 to 14 years' imprisonment. We are planning to implement further penalty changes referred to in the report on the Review of Road Traffic Penalties (July 2002), including those applying to repeat drink- drive offenders, when a suitable legislative opportunity arises.

Secondary information