The new government should get tough with law-breaking motorists, according to a survey among Yorkshire motorists.

Carried out by NavTrack, a company which specialises in security and traffic information services for drivers, it includes strong support for automatic prison sentences for drivers who kill, or those who drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.

A 'two strikes' rule for drink-drivers was also called for, with 51per cent of drivers asked backing a ten-year ban for a second drink-drive offence.

Other measures to receive support were a third supporting drivers who kill or injure doing community service in hospitals, and over a quarter calling for cars to be impounded as 'short, sharp shock' punishments.

Election candidates in North Yorkshire gave broad support to the measures.

Labour candidate Hugh Bayley said he didn't feel they were too draconian, but urged caution, given that NavTrack manufactures traffic monitoring equipment.

But he said: "Any measures that make the roads safer must be welcomed. To give just one example, the Government has clamped down on the growth in drivers who take to the roads while under the influence of so-called recreational drugs.

"That will continue. We have already spent £695m on our anti-drugs policy and will spend a further £996 over the next two years."

Liberal Democrat Andrew Waller said he would not want to see the hands of the judiciary tied when it came to sentencing.

But he said: "We would target extra revenue raised from petrol taxes into providing improved alternative methods of transport which would then reduce congestion.

"Congestion is a contributory factor to people's frustration, which, sadly, sometimes boils over into road rage.

"People must have a reliable and viable alternative to their cars."

Mr Waller added that a Liberal Democrat government would also target resources into researching low or zero emission engines.

Selby Tory Michael Mitchell said his party would protect the rights of the motorist by cutting six pence a litre off fuel tax.

Everyone should have the right to use their cars if they need to, he said, as for some people the car is the main or only link to the community.

"As for motorists who break the law, then we will deal with those people appropriately.

"A car is a responsibility. The majority of people respect that responsibility, but, unfortunately, some don't.

"While I can't comment on specific aspects of this survey, it is fair to say that under a Tory government any law breaker, including motorists, would be made to face the consequences of their actions."

Updated: 15:07 Tuesday, May 29, 2001