Sunday 8th October 1967

The roadside breathalyser was used for the first time in the United Kingdom. The new measures were brought in by Transport Minister Barbara Castle as part of the Road Safety Act, with a drink-drive limit of 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood. Drivers faced a 12 month ban if they found to be over the limit. There was much opposition to its introduction with pubs stating it would put them out of business and motorists claiming it was an infringement of personal liberties. Traffic accidents dropped dramatically once it came into force.