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Mark Hunter MP & the Cheadle Liberal Democrats
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Quarter of drunk drivers in Greater Manchester have done it before
November 26, 2009 1:58 PM
Mark is pressing the Government to take stronger action against drink and drug drivers
Parliamentary figures released this week show that there has been a huge increase in the percentage of people in Greater Manchester convicted of driving under the influence of drink/drugs who already have previous convictions for the same offence. Research by Liberal Democrat Road Safety Spokesperson and Cheadle MP Mark Hunter on re-offending rates has shown that:
· The percentage of people in Greater Manchester convicted of driving under the influence of drink/drugs with previous convictions for the same offence has increased by a quarter since 2000.
· In 2008, 24.85% of people convicted of driving under the influence of drink/drugs had previously faced conviction for the same offence compared with just 17.82% in 2000.
· Between 2000 and 2008 in the Greater Manchester police authority area there was a 12% rise in the number of drivers convicted of driving under the influence of drink/drugs with previous convictions for the same offence.
This week Mark is joining leading road safety charity Brake, who coordinate National Road Safety Week (23-29 November), in highlighting the same two major killers on our roads of drink and drugs in its 'Not a drop, not a drag' campaign. Mark has condemned the Government's soft approach to drink and drug driving crime and is calling on the Government to 'strengthen the rules' during Road Safety Week (23-29 November).
As Lib Dem Road Safety Spokesperson, Mark has pressed the Government to introduce tougher drink driving laws on a number of occasions, and has called for roadside drug testing for which there are currently no provisions. Earlier this year, Mr Hunter won Brake's Parliamentarian of the Month Award for his work on a range of road safety issues.
Commenting, Mark said:
"Labour's record of inaction on drink and drug driving crime is failing people in Greater Manchester and putting our drivers and pedestrians at increased risk of life and limb.
"People driving in the UK are able to drink over a third more than drivers in Spain, France and Germany and the Government have failed to introduce roadside drugs testing.
"We also have to remember the added pressure on our Police force, who are already short of numbers.
"Labour's warm words on road safety are not enough - tough action is needed."
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