By John Simpson 18 June 2012
Half of Britain’s motorists are oblivious to new rules set to come in next month which will require drivers in France to carry a breathalyser at all times.
In a bid to tackle drink driving, the French authorities believe that motorists will be more likely to test themselves before getting behind the wheel if they carry a cheap single-use breathalyser with them.
The regulation will come into force from next month but won’t be enforceable until November.
However, a webpoll of 2,300 Institute of Advanced Motorists members found that 82% of people thought the new law would have no effect on reducing drink driving.
Despite their scepticism, three-quarters of respondents planned to take the breathalyser kit with them with a defiant minority (7%) saying they didn't plan to.
Simon Best, Chief Executive of the IAM, said: "Agree with the changes or not, from July, you will face a fine if you don't carry an NF approved breathalyser while travelling in France.
“While these are a good way of being sure you are safe to drive, if you're going to drink don't drive, and beware the morning after effect.
"We will be looking forward to seeing the evaluation of what impact this new legislation is having. Support is likely to be higher if people can see that carrying a breathalyser actually reduces drink driving."
The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, lower than in the UK’s 80mg limit.
Categories: Fleet news , IAM
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