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Only a few months ago we were told the Government was considering lowering the drink drive limit. Now according to the Daily Mail, 'police have been told to put samples from drink drivers on ice after the biggest forensic science provider was axed'.
A leaked memo revealed that staff at the Forensic Science Service have stopped processing blood and urine samples in motoring cases.
My guess would be that anyone suspected of being over the limit following a roadside breath test, will now opt for a blood test rather than blowing into the machine at the police station if what we're being told is true.
My last blog looked at the issue of too much traffic law, but it now looks like it doesn't matter if we have traffic laws or not, because if a motorist commits a traffic violation it's beginning to feel like a lottery as to whether they'll be punished anyway. With reports that many speed cameras haven't been switched on for a while, and now this story about blood and urine samples not always being analysed, it's become more a case of 'if you get caught of a motoring offence, it's like flipping a coin. Heads says you'll get the specified punishment and Tails says you won't'. It seems a very odd way of doing things and, of course, it's largely about money.
As a road safety professional I am proud of the UK record on reducing deaths and injuries on our roads, but I am concerned that all that good work will quickly be undone by the lack of funds. Because as money gets tight its not only going to be the Government and the law Enforcement bodies that cut corners - drivers will as well.
Because when people look to see where they can make savings, changing worn out tyres and regularly servicing their vehicle falls well down the priority list. For many it's a choice between car safety or paying the mortgage.
Today I have just paid for my car to be serviced and with two new tyres the total bill was £574.02 (although I did get a free tin of sweets!). So the question has to be; if you knew you would get away with driving a vehicle in an un-roadworthy condition or without insurance, would you do so? Hopefully the answer would be no, but some drivers would say yes and they are the same people who will drink and drive, drive at excessive speed through our residential streets, and run unsafe vehicles.
And will they get caught and prosecuted? Tails they win. Heads they lose. Imagine that in a courtroom if a judge removed the jury and simply flipped a 50 pence piece to reach a decision. Because that's how it's beginning to feel to me.
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