Majority of Gazette readers want to see a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for drink drivers

While Christmas is a joyful time, it’s also that time of year where the number of drink and drug drive arrests almost double compared to any other time of year.

We asked in our recent online poll: “As police forces across the UK prepare to clamp down on drink-drivers throughout the festive period, do you think our legal alcohol limits should be stricter?”

More than 1,200 Gazette readers voted online and 82% agreed that the legal limit should be stricter while 18% did not.

Betty Henderson said: “It should be zero for the driver.”

Rosie Hall Snow said: “Zero tolerance drink and drugs.”

Pamela Rutter Turnbull said: “Just make it zero makes it simpler. But, that doesn't mean folks will abide by it.”

Jean Newton said: “No alcohol at all if you are driving.”

Sylvia Johnson said: “There should be no drinking alcohol allowed if you’re going to drive.”

Richard Abbott-Brailey said: “Goes without saying - zero tolerance!”

Glyn Addison said: “The limit doesn't need to change, people's attitudes to drink driving do.”

Jamie Ross said: “You cannot reduce them much more without having it set at zero. What you do need is more enforcement and harsher sentences including mandatory jail time.”

Ben Forbes said: “Fine of 25% of annual salary and an immediate 6 month jail term.

“Just like they do in Norway.”