Government rejects lower drink drive limit

The UK government has rejected proposals to lower the alcohol limit for driving in favour of stricter enforcement of the status quo.

The decision, which will be particularly welcomed by rural pubs, was made despite a recommendation in last year’s North Report that the limit should be cut from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to just 50mg.

Outlining his conclusions, transport secretary Philip Hammond observed: “The number of drink driving deaths has fallen by more than 75% since 1979. But drink driving still kills hundreds of people so we need to take tough action against the small minority of drivers who flagrantly ignore the limit.

“Their behaviour is entrenched and after careful consideration we have concluded that improving enforcement is likely to have more impact on these dangerous people than lowering the limit.”

This strategy of enforcement will include a more high profile focus on individuals who drive while under the influence of drugs.

Hammond explained: “It is just as dangerous to drive impaired by drugs as alcohol so we need to send a clear message that drug drivers are as likely to be caught as drink drivers and that drug driving is as socially unacceptable as drink driving has become.”

The move will see the government approve more efficient testing devices for both drugs and alcohol, as well as changing the law to speed up the testing process.

Gabriel Savage, 22.03.2011