PRESS RELEASE

DATE: 27th October 2009
SOURCE: AA Ireland

The AA has conducted a major survey of motorists’ opinion which shows that support for reducing the drink drive limit has increased. According to responses collected from 7,000 Irish motorists over the October bank holiday weekend, 63.9% are in favour of reducing the alcohol limit to 50 mgs, an increase of almost 3% on the 61.1% approval rate when a similar poll was conducted last year. 27.9% of respondents are opposed to the change.

That figures shows that support for the measures is reasonably uniform across the country. It is strongest in Dublin at 66.3% approval and is weakest in Cork 58.1% approval. The data also show that support was strongest among females (71.5% overall) and among over 65s (67.5%).

“Any way you slice it, it is abundantly clear that Irish motorists understand the drink driving issue and want to see the limit lowered into line with limits elsewhere in Europe and beyond.” Says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan.

The poll results will come as encouragement to Transport Minister Noel Dempsey as he seeks to steer legislation through the Oireachtas to give effect to the proposed change.

AA Motorists Panel Survey (October 23^rd to 26^th 2009) ~ Extract ~

The government has proposed reducing the legal drink drive limit from its current 80 mgs level to 50 mgs. Please mark the extent to which you are in favour or against this policy.

All respondents (6,645 answered question out of 7,055 respondents)

Completely in favour           49.8%

Somewhat in favour            14.1%

Neutral                                   8.2%

Somewhat against              11.9%

Completely against             16.0%

Males Only: 46.9% &13% yes, 12.0% & 19.3% no

Females only: 56% & 15.5% yes, 11.5% & 10% no

Regional variations:

Dublin only:  52.1% & 14.2% yes, 11.5% & 14.1% no

Cork only: 43.8% 14.3% yes, 13.5% & 19.7% no

Connacht / Ulster: 46% & 14.6%, 12.8% & 18% no

Leinster not incl Dublin: 50.4% & 14.3% yes, 11.6% & 15.8% no

Munster not incl Cork: 50.9%, 11.7%, 11.8% & 17.3% no

17-24 yrs 61.3% yes, 33.2% no

25-35 yrs 66.8% yes, 22.7% no

36-45 yrs 63.8% yes, 27% no

45-55 yrs 61.8% yes, 28.1% no

55-65 yrs 61.9% yes, 30.8% no

Over 65 yrs 67.5% yes, 26.5% no

More Information:

This Press Release comes from AA Ireland. For any enquiries or for verification contact Conor Faughnan at 01 6179440 or 087 2530495 or (after hours) 01 4936232