Letter: A three-step plan to cut the number of drink-drivers

OPINION: The tragic loss of a teacher and head of a young family in the Alison Downer case calls for more action.

It's quite obvious that we need to take a draconian approach to alcoholic drivers and legislate much more severe penalties, along the lines advocated for violent criminals.

I suggest: first offence, $500 fine, loss of licence for six months, and a formal reminder about the consequences of any subsequent driving alcohol offence - with the warning that an acceptable breath alcohol level is now permanently reduced to 100mcg per litre of breath (down from the standard 400mcg) or a blood level of 20mg (down from 80mg) per 100 millilitres.

Any death leads to a manslaughter charge.

For the second offence (and subsequently, so long as the alcohol level is below the current level) a $2000 fine, loss of licence for three years, and a formal last-chance warning.

On the third offence, a $5000 fine and permanent loss of licence.

I believe that these penalties should act as a deterrent, which should greatly reduce the road toll.

GUY HALLWRIGHT

Wadestown

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