A proposal to lower the legal limit of blood alcohol for U.K. drivers would cut the existing limit almost by half, from 80mg to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The proposal is being “closely considered” by coalition Ministers and the Department of Transport.
The proposal, drawn up by Sir Peter North as an independent consultant, has the backing of motoring groups including AA, the British Medical Association and, according to numerous surveys, at least 60% of the British public.
Under the proposed changes to the drink-driving law, more than one pint of beer or a fairly large glass of wine would put quite a few people, especially women, over the legal limit.
Other changes proposed in Sir Peter’s recommendations included a new drug-driving offense for any illegal substance found in the blood that could impair driving ability. Tests would include saliva analysis in police stations and random breath testing, with police having the right to stop motorists at any time.
Sir Peter said that this does not constitute a total ban on drinking and driving, but could effectively cut the number of traffic deaths due to alcohol or drug impairment. Recent reports show an average of 430 deaths a year in England and Wales attributed to alcohol, and about 60 to drugs.
The suggestion is that this number could be reduced by almost half with the enforcement of the proposed new laws. If the U.K. does make the changes, it would be joining at least 15 other countries in Europe with similar or even more stringent limitations.
