Officers should ban drink or drug-drivers at roadside - poll results
Police officers should be allowed to ban drink or drug-drivers at the roadside, say most Mirror readers.
But some voiced concern about handing such power to the force, with a number fearing such a move could be the first step to the UK becoming a 'police state'. Readers were responding to our poll Should police be allowed to ban drink or drug-drivers at the roadside? A sizeable 530 said yes, police should have the power, while 124 said no they shouldn't.
The poll followed news that police chiefs are calling for new powers to allow officers to instantly disqualify motorists. Such a law would mean those who pose a risk to others could be taken off the road 'immediately', as opposed to the current set-up where drivers charged with drug or drink-driving offences are banned following a court appearance. But this can take weeks to happen, and until then drivers are allowed back behind the wheel.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) lead for roads policing, said: "The ability for us to be able to disqualify people either for drink or drug-driving by the roadside would mean that we can immediately take that risk off the road. And those people can't be behind the wheel, particularly if they've blown well over the legal limit."
Currently, a motorist suspected of driving under the influence is given a road-side test which - if positive - is followed-up by a confirmatory test at a police station. If the second test is positive, the driver is charged and a court date set.
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Force bosses are currently looking at the legal changes and the kind of tests needed to allow the police to instantly ban people. The NPCC also want harsher punishments for motorists who kill while under the influence, including potential murder charges.
What Mirror readers had to say:
Many of you responded to our original story. Lynnmarieoct completely agreed with the idea, saying: "Yes [an instant ban] could save lives in the long run", whereas others weren't so sure.
Kaffy1: "I find it unbelievable that anyone can think it's ok for police to be able to ban people. It's crazy to give police so much power", while Dave55 said "No, otherwise we're heading towards a police state. Be careful what you wish for."
A police state is one which prioritises maintaining order and control above all else, often at the expense of individual rights and freedoms. It tends to foster an atmosphere of fear, distrust, and obedience among its citizens, stifling dissent and opposition to the ruling regime.
Other comments included:
Creosus: "The road test machine they use at the roadside is not legally binding. They call the machine they use at stations evidential for a reason."
Rivertugman: "If they accept "guilty" after the evidential police station machine, a £1,000 fine and 5-year ban. If it goes to court and a guilty verdict is given, double it."
Taz: "If you are caught in Sweden, they take your car there and then. Then you get a fine and a ban."
Porter1958: "If you drink and drive, lifetime ban".
165: "Err ... no! As with other matters, some police will abuse the power they are given. Their job is to catch criminals then the courts decide the punishment."
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Stonehaven2: "Under British law, only a judge can make these judgements. Otherwise every Tom, Dick and Harry of a police officer will become a law unto themselves. This is not a democracy, and I'm sure that it would leave anyone with sufficient funds to be able to bribe some police officers; just as it happens in a great many countries around the world."
What do you think? Do you agree with the poll findings? Let us know below
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