Moves towards a lower drink drive limit

The vast majority of people who responded to a recent Scottish Government consultation would like to see a lower drink drive limit in Scotland, it was announced last week.

An independent analysis has revealed that almost three quarters (74%) of respondents to 'Reducing the Drink Driving Limit in Scotland' believe that drink drive limits should be reduced.

The analysis also revealed that amongst those who want to see a lower limit, 87% of respondents believed that the limit should be changed to 50 mg of alcohol in every 100 ml of blood.

The consultation responses suggested the likely benefits of a lower limit would be fewer road accidents and fewer casualties. A number of respondents also called for the Scottish Government to be given further powers to tackle drink driving.

“The consultation now allows us to progress formal discussions with the police and the UK Government on the recalibration and testing of drink drive enforcement devices to ensure prosecutions are as robust as possible,“ said Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill. “Before a lower limit is introduced we will also consider issues such as how motorists driving into Scotland from England will be made aware of the lower limit. We are exploring options with Transport Scotland, police and justice and road safety partners as we move forward with our plans.”