Proposals to
modernise the Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS) were
announced today by the Driving Standards Agency.
These aim to improve both the standard of courses offered to
drink-driving offenders and the way they are approved. The
proposals are also intended to encourage more training providers
to become involved in delivering DDRS courses, improving access to
the scheme for offenders in areas with high incidences of drink-driving.
The Government also intends to make the financing of the scheme
fairer. Rather than the cost of administering the scheme being met
by the general taxpayer, the consultation proposes that offenders
should pick up the bill for this through the fees they pay to
cover the cost of their training.
The overall aim is to reduce the number of re-offenders by
educating them on the potential consequences of their behaviour.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:
"Most drivers are safe and responsible but there is a
reckless minority who put lives in danger by drink driving and
those drivers need to be tackled effectively.
"As well as taking action to help the police to deal
with drink-drivers, we are looking at how we can reduce the
likelihood of re-offending through improving the Drink-Drive
Rehabilitation Scheme.
"Improving the way courses are delivered is a positive
step towards achieving this and will help to ensure
Britain's roads remain among the safest in the world."
The Government's Strategic Framework for Road Safety
sets out a commitment to improve the enforcement of drink driving
legislation by making DDRS courses mandatory for disqualified
drink-drivers. The measures proposed in the consultation are the
first step in that process.
For further information contact DSA press office on 0115 936
6135, or pressoffice@dsa.gsi.gov.uk.
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ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. The consultation can be found at www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dsa-2011-01
2. Out of 1,850 deaths resulting from road accidents in 2010,
250 (14%) were linked to drink-driving offences.
3. Since 1
January 2000, the courts throughout Great Britain have been able
to offer to drivers, who have been disqualified for a period of at
least 12 months for a relevant drink-driving offence, a referral
to an approved Drink-Drive Rehabilitation course.
4. The
Rehabilitation Courses (Drink-Drive and Other Offences)
Regulations 2012 will come into force on 6 April 2012 and have
effect in England and Scotland only.
5. Closing date for
responses to the consultation is 6 January 2012.
6. DSA
promotes road safety through setting standards for drivers, riders
and trainers; testing drivers and riders fairly and efficiently;
maintaining the registers of Approved Driving Instructors, Large
Goods Vehicle Instructors, Fleet Trainers, Driving Instructor
Trainers and Post Test Motorcycle Trainers; supervising Compulsory
Basic Training (CBT) for learner motorcyclists; and driver
education and the provision of learning resources.
7. DSA is
a trading fund with planned income of £195 million in 2011/12,
largely funded through fees and revenue from other road safety
initiatives. It delivers tests from over 400 practical driving
test centres and 158 theory test locations.
8. DSA employs
around 2,600 staff, of which just over 1,800 are driving
examiners. In 2010/11 DSA conducted over 1.8 million practical
tests (of which 1.6 million were car tests) and around 1.6 million
theory tests. At the end of 2010/2011 there were around 47,000
people on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
9. DSA
has an image library at flickr.com/photos/dsagovuk which is free
for use by press and news media. However, you must acknowledge DSA
Crown copyright.
Contacts:
NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the issuing dept
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk
DSA Press office
Phone: 0115 936 6135
nds.dsa@coi.gsi.gov.uk