A CONSULTATION paper on ways of cracking down on drink-driving has been launched by Transport Minister Gavin Strang. The document aims to develop a package of measures to tackle the problem and includes the option of cutting the drink-drive limit from 80mg per 100ml to 50mg, possibly with different levels of penalties for those above 80mg and those between 50mg and 80mg.

Other options include increasing maximum sentences and expanding police breath-testing powers. The aim is to tackle three main problem areas identified by the Government - hardened drinkers, those below the current limit but whose driving is still impaired and young men in their 20s, who are disproportionately involved in drink-drive accidents.

The consultation document is available free on the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions website at http://www.detr.gov.uk/consult.htm or by calling 0845 3000 715. The consultation period extends to May 8.