Random breath tests planned for motorists

Motorists face being subjected to random breath-testing as part of the biggest shake-up of drink-drive laws since the introduction of the breathalyser 40 years ago, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.

Under the new proposals a random checkpoint could be set up for up to 24 hours by a senior police officer

Ministers are convinced that tougher enforcement is the key to cutting the number of alcohol-related road deaths. Their plans for random testing will be unveiled within weeks.

Robert Gifford, the director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, which drew up the proposals for random testing, said: "This will send a message to road users that ministers are taking the issue of drink-driving seriously."