Britons near top of European drink-driving list

One of the reasons why some drivers in Britain may be paying high prices for their car insurance could be because Britons are among the worst countries in Europe for drink-driving, according to new study.

Research by road policing group Tispol has concluded that six per cent of drivers in the UK take to the roads despite being over the limit, an offence which if caught could have large repercussions on a car insurance quote.

Drivers caught drink-driving may have their licence completely taken away, but some may only get points on their licence, which will cause a car insurance company to increase a car insurance quote because the driver is deemed to be of higher risk.

In Europe, only Switzerland at 6.6 per cent and Moldova with 19 per cent have higher drink-driving results, with the average across Europe standing at 1.7 per cent.

President of road policing organisation Tispol Adam Briggs, said: "We are determined to find a way forward to reduce this unacceptable level of hard-core drink drivers and to make the roads safer for everyone.

He proposed measures including reducing the legal limit, introducing random roadside testing, increasing the penalties or continuing to improve education.

A recent Transport Committee report identified that the number of uninsured motorists on the road has increased in the last year.

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