Drink Driving Solicitor Issues Warning about New Government Proposals

Chris Stott, a Manchester solicitor that specialises in drink-driving offences at Pannone LLP has issued a warning that Government proposals to convict motorists after one roadside breath test could prove dangerous.

The government has issued proposals which may mean motorists are convicted of drink-driving after a single roadside test. At present, drivers tested at the roadside are taken back to the police station to take two further breath tests, only the lower of which may be used against them in court.

The practical consequence is that drivers who fail a roadside test will have no opportunity to correct this initial failure. The first test will be determinative of guilt with no secondary check made at the station. The legal power of the police to produce roadside test results as evidence when a drink-driving case comes to court is currently in existence, but not yet in force as sufficiently accurate testing equipment has yet to be developed.

Chris Stott of Pannone LLP in Manchester regards these considerations, coming as they do in the wake of proposals to conduct random breath testing of all motorists passing through police checkpoints, with caution. “Whilst nobody condones drink driving, we see dangers in convicting motorists on the back of a single test conducted at the side of the road. However generally accurate this new testing equipment, there will surely be worries that it cannot be accurate in every individual instance”.

Chris Stott can be reached by calling 0800 0384 384. For more information please visit http://www.pannone.com/solicitors-for-you/mto-drink-driving.asp

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