WITH reference to the proposed changes to the drink-drive 'breathalyser' limit as a retired police officer and as an ambulanceman at present, I believe they will not make any substantial difference to accident fatalities.

People like myself, who have for many year conducted themselves within the law, will suffer by having their freedom further restricted for no good reason.

Thousands of people have respected the law as it stands, on regular occasions having a meal out together with an accompanying drink before legally driving safely home will now become criminals.

The proposed changes are ludicrous and not worthwhile.

It is not these "two-drink" offenders who are the problem on our roads.

Certainly remove the drunk drivers and speed-mad fools from our roads.

But the government should use some common sense when contemplating changes in the law.

They should also remember statistics - I have in the past been involved in two serious-damage driving incidents, both driving police vehicles without any alcohol in my body, but both driving above the speed limit.

I have had no accidents at all in the past 20 years or so whilst driving home from a meal our having consumed two drinks with my meal! This was not due to luck, but to moderation and common sense.

JAMES WALFORD, Nelson.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.