PM vows to study new-driver booze ban
Gordon Brown said he would be happy to examine proposals put forward by Ali Morrish for a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol for newly qualified motorists through Anna's Campaign, which was launched by Mrs Morrish and the Echo in December.
Mr Brown said a continuing crackdown on drink-driving had been very successful, but admitted a problem persisted among young drivers.
The PM met Mrs Morrish, 45, during a visit to the city for a regional cabinet meeting. Anna's Campaign was launched following the death of Mrs Morrish's daughter.
Anna, 21, died in a crash involving a driver who was over the limit.
Mrs Morrish, of Mount Pleasant, asked whether the PM would clarify the position over the safe limit for drinking.
The Government has appointed legal expert Sir Peter North to consider changes to drink-drive legislation, as well as a possible tightening of the laws on drug-driving. Sir Peter is due to report by the end of March. Downing Street officials have confirmed that zero tolerance for new drivers has been included in discussions about the review.
Mr Brown told Mrs Morrish: "I am so sorry about what happened and I do admire the way you have tried to make something good come out of it.
"Although the drink-driving laws have had a huge success generally, among teenagers it's been a problem.
"There have been these ideas that when you get your licence for the first time there's got to be a period where there's no drink allowed at all.
"These are the debates we have been having over the period, and whether that can actually be made to stick. It's clear the biggest problem does occur in the younger age group of drivers.
"Our rate of deaths from drink-driving are lower than many other countries because of the laws we have taken. Among this teenage group there's a big issue that's got to be continuously looked at.
"I would be happy to look at what's come up from your campaign. I appreciate what you are trying to do to change things."
Mrs Morrish was "encouraged" by Mr Brown's pledge to consider a zero-tolerance approach. She said: "He talked of his government's consideration of zero tolerance for newly qualified young drivers and that is welcome.
"He also admitted that while the Government felt it was doing all that it could do to lower drink-drive numbers, and with some success, there was still a lot that could be done. He seemed genuinely interested in the campaign and wished to be kept appraised of how things proceed."
For two months, Mrs Morrish and the Echo have been highlighting the dangers and potentially tragic consequences of driving while over the limit.
Anna's Campaign has received the backing of senior police officers, who praised its role in helping to reduce drink driving over the Christmas period. More than 1,800 people have signed up to the campaign's Facebook page. To add your support visit www.thisisexeter.co.uk/ annascampaign.
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