Immediate Release

17 February 2010 – The President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Paul Mallee, has called on all political parties in the Oireachtas to support the reduction in the blood alcohol limit (BAC) as proposed in the Road Traffic Bill that is being debated in the Dail this week.

Mr Mallee described the lowering of the drink-driving limit as an important and much-needed public safety measure that would bring Ireland into line with the overwhelming majority of EU countries and would ultimately reduce deaths on our roads. 

He reiterated the Institute’s support for the Bill as the representative body for professionals involved in the transport and logistics industries in Ireland, including the lower limit set out for professional drivers.

Mr Mallee commented, “Our organization includes people active in the transport and logistics sector in this country. Improving safety standards on Irish roads is in all our best interests and we believe a reduction in the drivers’ maximum permitted blood/alcohol content from 80mg to 50mg per 100mls is a vital part of that.

“This is also an important part of an overall strategy to reduce deaths. The Minister for Transport should therefore be supported in the bringing forward this proposal.

“As an international organization (CILT has over 30,000 members worldwide), we believe that alignment with our European neighbours in applying similar maximum permitted limits will reduce the road traffic accidents caused by excessive alcohol consumption as evidenced in other countries.

“In this regard, the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has recently produced a report on drink driving in commercial transport, and has strongly supported a reduction in the BAC.

“Our Institute has both a professional and personal interest in improving road safety standards in what ever way practicable. I am calling on all parties in the Oireachtas to recognise the improved safety standards that this proposal will bring, and to support the Road Traffic Bill as it proceeds through the Oireachtas in the weeks ahead.”

ENDS - For more info please contact Ronan Farren, Q4 PR, 01 475 1444 / 087 934 0386

*The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), established in 1919, is a membership based organisation with over 30,000 members in more than 30 countries.  CILT is the independent professional body for those engaged in logistics and all modes of transport, enhancing the professional knowledge and competence of its members through comprehensive training, continuing professional development and certified educational programmes.

www.cilt.ie