Speeding drivers look set to clock up more penalty points as part of a tough new approach from the Environment Minister Arlene Foster.

She also told the Assembly she intends to press ahead with plans to reduce the permitted legal limit for drink and drugs. Inexperienced drivers are also likely to face tighter restrictions.

Speaking to the Assembly's environment committee, Mrs Foster said: "The automatic £60 fine and three penalty points do not appear to be sufficient to stop many drivers from continuing to put their lives and the lives of innocent road-users at risk by exceeding speed-limits.

"As research indicated that drivers fear penalty points more than fines, there would appear to be a strong case for relating the number of penalty points awarded to speed by which the speed limit is exceeded."

Proposed changes include: A reduction from 80 milligrams to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for most drivers, with a lower limit of 20 milligrams for inexperienced LGV and motorcycle drivers.

* Powers for random breath testing and the use of technology barring repeat offenders from using a vehicle while under the influence.

* Mutual recognition of driving disqualifications anywhere in Ireland or Britain.

Mrs Foster said that in April this year she also planned to publish a revised Highway Code and she is also considering a publicity campaign encouraging employers to better supervise work-related driving.

The Minister indicated her proposals would be open to consultation.

Mrs Foster also reacted negatively to comments made by the Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton who defended a police officer who was allowed to retain her job following a drink-driving conviction. He said the incident preceded the PSNI's dismissal policy of May 2006.

Mr Leighton also came in for some criticism after he suggested there may potentially be mitigating circumstances for someone to retain their post, he raised the hypothetical situation where someone who had been drinking may be forced to take a child to hospital.

However, Mrs Foster said the message was clear to drivers, 'never, ever drink and drive'.

She added: "The policewoman was in front of a court and to me that is the important factor. The law itself says that if you drink and drive you will be subject to a mandatory disqualification.

"However, it does make cause for mitigating circumstance. But I have to say that in my former job as a solicitor there were very few times when people did not have a mandatory disqualification."