(21/06/2010)

Government Report Recommends Lowering of Alcohol Limit for Drivers

The blood alcohol limit for drivers should be lowered in order to curb drink-driving in Britain.

That is the recommendation from a Government report into the issue, led by Sir Peter North. The report suggests reducing the legal limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg, which would bring Britain’s laws in line with those of 15 other European nations.

The new blood alcohol levels would limit motorists to just one pint of beer, or a large glass of wine.

Other suggestions for tackling drink-driving include random breath testing, issuing lifetime bans to repeat offenders, and enforcing drug-driving as an official criminal offence.

Health officials claim that the proposals could save hundreds of lives every year, with over three hundred lives being saved annually within six years.

Launching his report in London this week, North said: “Research conclusively shows the much higher risk posed by drink-driving. I not only believe that it is right to reduce the limit, but that the public is ready for a lower limit. It is time to give them what they want.”

Around 430 people are killed on the road each year as a result of drink-driving. However, according to North, many more accidents are caused by motorists whose driving has been impaired by alcohol, but their blood alcohol levels are below the current limit.

Sir Peter North’s review has been welcomed by motoring groups. AA president Edmund King said the reforms were “essential”, while the Institute of Advanced Motorists said the lower limits would raise the fear of being caught in drivers who had previously thought they were “invincible”.

Ref: PRS-HS-180610

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