W10

It's an idea I had discussed extensively with a local businessman about a year ago.

But the research seemed to show that it would have a low take-up.

The main problem is that there is a big drinking and driving culture here, and until people actually start getting caught (and that means the police doing random pulls) then the culture won't change.

Good luck to them but I think it's a little too early.

MataHari

Is that so? In our 'cirle of friends' nobody ever drinks and drives, it's one of the things that we all think it the most stupid thing to do and are aware of the zero tolerance....We always take taxi's. It's not so much the fear of being pulled over, because that is very unlikely to happen, but getting involved in some accident (much bigger chance).

littlejimmy

That's what I don't get, because I know for a fact that it does go on, despite the grim warnings of the zero tolerance approach and the consequences. But then you see what happened to that Indian guy who crashed on SZR last year, killing 3 passengers. He got 3 months in jail and ordered to pay blood money. What kind of punishment and deterrent is that? The people who do it consistently get away with it, otherwise they wouldn't do it. I would never do it, and think it's completely inexcusable. It's not just your own life you're gambling with.

W10

It's rampant amongst Arabs (especially Lebanese) and middle aged Europeans.

I'd say at least 35% of the people I know have drunk and driven and quite a few of them have done it whilst paraletic.

You only get caught if you crash.

Border Reiver

Quite agree, the punishment doesn't seem to fit the "zero tolerance" approach. We need random checks and serious jail time for offenders. The roads are dangerous enough when you are sober.

Boydy101

But what will that do for the zero crime rate in Dubai?

littlejimmy

Zero crime rate?

*dies laughing*

W10

One month in prison for denting your car and being caught over the limit

Three to six months for killing someone while ****ed

either way you get your licence back if you stay in the country.

Border Reiver

Yes, that isn't quite what I meant by "serious jail time".......

Boydy101

LJ, you're not implying I've been duped by the tourist board into believing that Dubai is a utopian paradise that it in fact isn't?

Damn it! I'm cancelling the flight!

101

Blue Cat

can you still send over the stotties and pease pudding then?

Boydy101

Sorry there's going to b e no room for either - not sure what customs would make of an industrial sized pot of pease pudding!!
http://www.bobjude.co.uk/bobjude/recipes/pease.html - there's a recipe for you though!

101

Blue Cat

thanks I will share it with MJC!

littlejimmy

Sorry, can't talk. Still laughing.

Blue Cat

I watch with interest for Boydy's opinion after his first week in Utopia. So far he is doing well - furnished accom, near work, no driving . Things to look forward to

Getting visa
Getting driving license
Finding affordable accomodation - probably the hardest bit!!!
Driving - not nice for newcomers
Trying to find places !!! nightmare!!!

Good luck 101!