Lower alcohol limit will save lives, say experts

The Scottish Government is to go ahead with cutting the drink-driving limit as results of a consultation show three-quarters of people want it reduced.

Ministers propose to lower the limit from 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood – the limit for drivers across the UK – to 50mg.

Cutting the limit to 50mg would bring Scotland in line with other European countries including Spain, Germany and France.

After it comes into force it will mean drivers who consume just one regular alcoholic drink could find themselves over the new legal drink-drive limit.

Discussions will now take place with the police to bring in a lower limit in Scotland.

Justice Secretary Kenny Mac-Askill said: “Drink-driving can shatter families and communities and we must take action to reduce the risk on our roads.”

“On average, 30 families every year have to cope with the loss of a loved one and around 900 people are treated for injuries caused by someone who thought it was acceptable to drink alcohol and get behind the wheel and drive. We cannot let this continue.”

A total of 74 per cent of those who responded to the Scottish Government consultation back a reduction in the limit, of which 87 per cent agree with reducing it to 50mg.

Experts say the reduction will dramatically cut accidents on Scotland’s roads and save lives.

Mr MacAskill hopes to get the legislation through parliament by the end of this year. But getting the new rate approved by the Home Office and ensuring police officers have the right apparatus to carry out new testing levels could take longer.