This letter orginally appeared in the Times, 28 September 2013.
Sir, The shock rise in drink-driving deaths (report, Sept 27) demonstrates why we need tougher measures to tackle this issue. Evidence shows that there is a significant minority of drivers who show a flagrant disregard for the law and continue to put the safety of road users at risk. I believe that the courts need more powers to tackle persistent drink-drivers and my forthcoming Drink Driving (Repeat Offenders) Bill will allow for a maximum two-year prison sentence, instead of the current six months, for those who continue to reoffend.