Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng says tough new drink-driving laws should be introduced within the next legal year.

Speaking on a radio show this morning Ms Cheng said the Government is considering imposing heavier punishments according to the level of alcohol found in a drunk driver's blood.

"We are planning to conduct a public consultation this summer and solid recommendations should come up within this legal year," she said. "Hopefully the new law will be submitted for legislation in the next legal year."

She said the current legal limit of alcohol in a driver's blood is considered tough by international standards.

"Our current limit of 50mg is lower than the amount allowed in many countries. It is impossible to tighten the standard to zero tolerance as some food contains low levels of alcohol," she said.

The revised road traffic legislation with enhanced penalties for drink driving will take effect February 9, and Police will implement random breath tests.

When asked if there should be heavier penalties for commercial vehicle drivers, Ms Cheng said it is not fair to discriminate any road users at this stage.

"We will examine the effect of the upcoming random breath tests in the next few months before we consider any fine-tuning of the legislation."