PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

Parliament here is considering tough legislation that aims to permanently disqualify a person from holding a driver's licence if he is found guilty of driving drunk on three occasions.

Under the provision of The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, if a person is found guilty of two consecutive offences he will also be disqualified for a period of 12 months from the date of conviction from holding or obtaining a driver's permit.

Works Minister Colm Imbert, who tabled the revised bill at Wednesday's Senate sitting at the Red House, said the amendments have been inserted to reduce motor vehicle accidents, which are often caused by drunk drivers.

A person who is found guilty of driving under the influence and is convicted for the first time will be fined $5,000 or face imprisonment for six months. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for 12 months will be imposed.