July 8, 2015

A Lower Drink-Drive Limit?

On 5th December 2014, Scotland introduced a new, lower blood-alcohol limit of 50mg per 100ml for drivers, falling in line with many other European countries, and leaving England and Wales, alongside Malta, as the only nations in Europe still supporting the higher 80mg limit. Legislation is shortly due in Northern Ireland that will also cut its limit to 50mg.  These new tougher laws mean just one drink can push drivers over the legal limit.

Scotland has witnessed a real behavioural change. Less drivers are being caught even though more drivers are pulled over for breath tests. Most drivers have been behind the move, with some suggesting they wouldn’t even consider half a pint before driving.

As for England and Wales, there is a strong desire for new legislation. The effect in Scotland is a marked reduction in prosecutions and that result would like to be mirrored in England and Wales.

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