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The Government in the UK faces stepping up pressure to reduce the legal limit of alcohol intake when driving. Currently it is illegal to operate a car with at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood which relates to approximately a pint and a half of medium strength lager for an average sized man. The new limit would bring it down to 50mg per 100ml of blood which is little more than half a pint or a large glass of wine which is in line with the European Union limit.

According to Transport Secretary Lord Adonis, there are in excess of 400 fatalities each year as a result of drink driving, but this figure does not reflect any incidents where drivers were above the proposed lower limit. He also states drug-driving is a key worry for the public.

The current UK laws mean that anyone found driving over the legal limit faces an automatic 12 month driving ban but there is current investigation by Sir Peter North QC into the possibilities of introducing a second, lower penalty for anyone above the lower limit such as 6 points on a driving licence. Changes could also see prosecutions for drivers found with illegal drugs in their bloodstream, regardless of whether it impaired their performance.

The Transport Secretary has proved that over 400 people a year are killed as a result of drink driving but this figure does not reflect any incidents where drivers were above the proposed limit. He also suggests drug-driving is a key concern for the public.

AA President, Edmund King agreed, “the legal issue is more complex than the limit as a sliding scale of penalties could lower the deterrent effect. There is a serious problem with drink drive repeat offenders with recent figures suggesting that almost 25% of drink drivers have served a previous ban.”

The proposal was not met amicably by everyone Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations. We will contest this very strongly,” he said. Because of some idiots behaviour other people will get penalised.

Thousands of drivers each year are convicted of a drink driving offence but even more are convicted, with lower penalties, of a speeding offence, something that causes many more fatalities each year.

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The 3.4m long Smart Roadster is the first of the breed that — at first glance — is equally at home in town as out of it. Think of it as a uniquely designed, more compact take on the Mazda MX-5 and you’ll be on the right track. Think of it as a statement of individuality, a need to express yourself, and you’re target market for the Smart Roadster. Think of it as a razor sharp roadster that’s equally at home fighting hill climbs with the MX-5 and you’re dreaming. The Smart Roadster is not a driver’s car; it’s a poseur’s car.

How can anyone miss that overt, extraverted design? From certain angles, we’re convinced; others leave us gasping. But be assured it’s not possible to remain ambivalent about the Smart Roadster’s visual presence. It’s a car that demands attention and prompts opinions.

Like most roadsters, this one’s a two seater with removable roof and rear wheel drive. Unlike most of today’s batch, the Smart Roadster hangs its 700cc turbocharged, three-cylinder engine over the rear wheels. Not exactly an engine size your mate’s will envy, but one that’s perfectly capable of motor-vating the impressively light 790kg soft top.

Roadster comes with the usual mod cons, including remote central locking, air-conditioning, CD player, electric windows and leather steering wheel. Wing mirror adjustment is manual.

Getting into the car is not as simple as an MX-5; the height of the opening makes it necessary to fold yourself into the seat. With roof off, however, it is an absolute breeze. The interior styling is just as out there as the exterior, and definitely one for acquired tastes. It’s also sorely lacking in creature comforts.

For starters there’s no way to adjust the steering wheel in any direction, and the driver’s seat has no height adjust, a combination that compromised our driving position to some extent. Stowage pockets and cubby holes consist only of cupholders and small, difficult door pockets.

Materials used inside the cabin have a funky feel rather than any high quality class. Dials, fonts, and colours are more about making a statement than melting into the background, and definitely in keeping with the brash exterior. Minimalism is an overriding theme.

Luggage space is not a Roadster strong point. There’s enough space under the bootlid to stow two briefcases flat, enough under the bonnet for half a dozen grocery bags. The golf clubs are definitely riding shotgun.

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