The B.C. government says it's considering changes to its tough drunk driving laws to allow drivers to challenge roadside penalties. Police have been slapping drivers with immediate roadside suspensions and fines since last year, when the new law took effect, making it illegal to drive with a .05 blood alcohol reading. After a flood of complaints from drivers over how the new law was being applied by police, the government ordered a review. Solicitor General Rich Coleman says as a result of that review, the government is planning legislative changes to allow an appeal period, much in the same way drivers can appeal a speeding ticket. "Some of the penalties being issued at the road side, like the immediate suspensions and fines, without an appeal period, we will make changes that will actually account for that, and you will have a certain amount of time to appeal." He says the changes should still achieve the government's objective of safer streets and highways. Coleman says the province also intends to launch a public information campaign, following complaints from bar and restaurant owners that the new laws are keeping customers at home. (The Canadian Press)Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Drunk Driving Laws Reviewed
The B.C. government says it's considering changes to its tough drunk driving laws to allow drivers to challenge roadside penalties. Police have been slapping drivers with immediate roadside suspensions and fines since last year, when the new law took effect, making it illegal to drive with a .05 blood alcohol reading. After a flood of complaints from drivers over how the new law was being applied by police, the government ordered a review. Solicitor General Rich Coleman says as a result of that review, the government is planning legislative changes to allow an appeal period, much in the same way drivers can appeal a speeding ticket. "Some of the penalties being issued at the road side, like the immediate suspensions and fines, without an appeal period, we will make changes that will actually account for that, and you will have a certain amount of time to appeal." He says the changes should still achieve the government's objective of safer streets and highways. Coleman says the province also intends to launch a public information campaign, following complaints from bar and restaurant owners that the new laws are keeping customers at home. (The Canadian Press)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment