Minister softens penalties for new drink-driving limits

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey was today confident of backbench support for new drink-driving limits after the Government bowed to pressure and softened the penalties.

The planned new laws, published today, would see the blood alcohol level slashed from 80mgs to 50mgs per 100 millilitres, with those caught between the two amounts hit with three penalty points and a fine.

Initially those caught flouting the rules were to be given six points but the Government rowed back on proposed punishments amid growing anger from rural TDs.

Mr Dempsey said he believed party members would support the measures.

“I’ve discussed the matter with the backbenchers, they’ve made their views known,” the minister said.

“This is my response to that. This is Government legislation and I’m sure everyone will support it.”

The new Road Traffic Bill will see the legal blood alcohol limit slashed from 80mgs to 50mgs for experienced drivers, and to 20 mgs for new and professional motorists.

The laws also allow for:

:: Novice and professional drivers caught between 20mgs and 80mgs to be put off the road for three months and fined €200, if they choose not to challenge the conviction in court.

:: Experienced drivers will be given the option of being hit with three penalty points and a €200 fine if caught between 50mgs and 80mgs.

:: Those between 80 and 100mg will be disqualified for six months and receive a €400 fine if they do not take the legal route.

Mr Dempsey said: “That’s a measure of trying to accommodate the view that people shouldn’t be put off the road for that first offence.

“The vast majority of backbenchers will accept that this is a reasonable response to the concerns that there is.”

Rural TDs said people who have to drive to their local would suffer under the new regime, while Vintners’ chiefs claim 1,700 pubs have shut down in the last five years because of the smoking ban.

But Mr Dempsey said he was not worried about the possible effect on rural Ireland.

“I’m not concerned. If rural Ireland is dependent on us allowing people to get into a car with an excess of alcohol in their blood, put themselves or other road users in danger then rural Ireland has come to a sorry state,” the minister said.

“I don’t believe it’s in that state. I believe that the issue of rural isolation is one that can be addressed, but not by allowing that to happen.”

Mr Dempsey said he expected the bill to be through the Oireachtas by next summer.