EU tries to curb drink-driving

Luxembourg - The EU Transport Commissioner, Mr Neil Kinnock, yesterday sought ministerial support for a plan to introduce tougher…

Luxembourg - The EU Transport Commissioner, Mr Neil Kinnock, yesterday sought ministerial support for a plan to introduce tougher rules on drinking and driving. In a speech to EU transport ministers he linked the initiative to Princess Diana's death in a Paris car crash.

Mr Kinnock is trying to convince EU countries to re-examine a proposal rejected in the late 1980s which would make it illegal to drive with more than 0.5 grams of alcohol per litre of blood. Eight EU countries - Ireland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Britain, Denmark and Luxembourg - currently allow driving with 0.8 grams/litre. Sweden, on the other hand, permits only 0.2 grams/litre. Most others allow 0.5.