80% of respondents to an online poll support getting though with drink drivers.
An online poll of 2,114 motorists conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists in July shows that 80% of motorists say those who repeatedly drink drive should have their vehicles seized and sold or scrapped. Half the respondents say that this should also happen to drivers several times over the limit.

Around two thirds of the respondents were also behind reducing the drink-drive limit to a maximum of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood; 28% think we should have a zero-tolerance policy.
People convicted of drink driving generally lose their licence for a year and receive an average fine of £240. Over half those polled think that this is too weak and that punishments for drink drivers should be tougher.
Other findings include:
- 55% of poll respondents support a proportionate, graduated system of penalties, if the limit was reduced. For example, lower penalties would be given to drivers caught under the current limit, but above the new one;
- Almost half of respondents admit to having a drink while driving, within the current limit;
- 79% say a decrease in the limit wouldn’t affect their enjoyment of an evening out. 19% said it would;
- 84% said a reduction in the limit wouldn’t change their plans to go out.
IAM Chief Executive Simon Best said: “The support is there for tougher treatment of drink drivers. Not only do the majority want a lower limit – they also want tougher punishment for those that break the law, especially the worst offenders who present the greatest danger to other road users, their passengers and themselves. Our poll shows a desire to see more effective drink drive levels as well as much greater consistency of enforcement, prosecution, and sentencing, which reflects the level of danger associated with drinking drivers.”