Reduced ban for drink-drivers

Drink-drive offenders at 28 magistrates' courts around the country will be able to get a quarter of the length of their ban lifted if they complete a rehabilitation course. About 4,000 offenders a year are expected to attend the courses, which will include information on alcohol, its effects, and alternatives to drinking and driving. Participants will be given certificates on completetion of the course to present to magistrates, who will then reduce the ban. They will have to volunteer and pay around pounds 150 for the courses, which will last between 16 and 30 hours.