Ms Moyagh Murdock:

I will start with the first question and will let Ms Burns answer the second. I will then revert to some of the other questions. The Deputy asked why we believe that introducing this change in penalty, in terms of a blood alcohol level of between 50 mg to 80 mg, will save lives. From the research we see that too many lives are being lost as a result of people who have consumed that level of alcohol and gone on to drive. We have confirmed that at least seven to eight people a year are being killed. We see that even at the roadside crashes. In the past 16 months, a further 38 people were breathalysed at the scene of a crash and were deemed to have a blood alcohol level of between 21 mg and 80 mg. People are still taking a chance. There is a mixed message being given that it is acceptable to drink at that level and get away with an administrative fine. It is clear that the deterrent is not working.

To use the analogy of where a deterrent becomes much more effective, when not having a national car test, NCT, certificate became a penalty point offence in December 2014, we saw an 87% increase in compliance as a consequence of that. It is a very different offence, but attitudes and behaviours changed immediately. We now have over 92% compliance in this regard. That was as a result of changing the penalty. We believe, and our research supports that belief, that changing the penalty is important because it is not enough of a deterrent at the moment. People will be tempted to drive having had one or two drinks. They may think they will not be detected. We see too many people being arrested with blood alcohol levels of between 80 mg and 100 mg. Too many people are getting six months' disqualification.

Clearly, we are confusing people out there. This is an anomaly and it is causing deaths on the roads. There should be a mandatory ban for those who are caught drinking and driving, which is what this is. There is no other way to describe it. That is why the measure is necessary. The deterrent in place at the moment is not working and people are prepared to take chances. We must change those attitudes. The second question was on the research.