More Than 32,000 Motorists Have Two Or More Drink Driving Convictions
A newspaper investigation into drink driving has found that more than 32,000 motorists have two or more convictions for the offence, according to the DVLA.
Records, acquired from the DVLA through a Freedom of Information request by the Mirror newspaper, show that some drink drivers have even been charged with the offence as many as 9 times since 2010.
Data indicates that 28,791 drivers were prosecuted twice for driving while over the prescribed limit, with 2,880 having three convictions, and 438 with four convictions.
A total of 18 people have six or more convictions, of which three have seven, and four have eight convictions.
As the law currently stands, the penalty for drink driving is a minimum 12-month ban from the roads, an unlimited fine, and up to six months in prison.
Drink driving is an aggravating factor where death or serious injury is caused by dangerous driving, carrying a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, although the government is currently debating a bill to increase this figure.
The information obtained by the Mirror is as follows:
Number Of Convictions – Motorists Convicted
1 – 386,248
2 – 28,791
3 – 2880
4 – 438
5 – 85
6 – 18
7 – 3
8 – 4
A spokesman for Brake, the road safety charity, has demanded harsher punitive measures for repeat offenders.
“It is truly appalling there are so many repeat offenders. We urge the Government, the police, and the courts to get tougher,” they said.
Following a disqualification for drink driving, most offenders simply need to fill out a form to request the return of their license. High-risk offenders – usually categorised as those who were found to be more than two-and-a-half times the limit – additionally need to pass a medical assessment.
Critics of the current system, including the AA, say that all drink drivers should have to prove they are not addicted to alcohol via a series of blood tests, amongst other measures, before being allowed back behind the wheel.
The Department for Transport has insisted, however, that motorists convicted of drink driving already face “tough” penalties.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535 or in an emergency you can call on 07855 806119.