It says the Covid crisis has likely worsened the risks to road safety as alcohol consumption has increased, along with a rise in traffic speeds and mental health pressures.

Drink driving is behind 13% of all road deaths in the UK and nearly one in five motorists caught over the limit is a reoffender. According to PACTS, police enforcement levels have decreased by nearly two thirds since 2009.

Its report – produced in association with the universities of Stirling and Dundee – draws on evidence from 30 interviews with drink drivers, which shows the complex mental health and alcohol problems that some of them suffer. As a result, the group concludes, current arrangements are not enough to deter them from drink driving again.

Among its recommendations are increased penalties for drivers who combine drink and drugs, the greater use of specialist rehabilitation courses for those with mental health and alcohol problems and a lower breath test limit in England and Wales.

“After 10 years of declining levels of enforcement and social media campaigns aimed at young men, it is time for a new, more comprehensive approach to reducing the toll of drink drive deaths and injuries,” said PACTS executive director David Davies.

“Drink driving is often cited as a road safety success story, yet it remains a major killer and progress has ground to a halt since 2010. Not only is better enforcement important but also the issues of mental health and alcohol dependency need to be recognised.”

(Photograph: West Midlands Police)