No lower drink drive limit, says minister

The UK government has no plans to lower the drink drive limit in England following changes to the law in Scotland, the roads minister Robert Goodwill MP has confirmed.

The lower limit in Scotland has prompted fears over drinks sales (Photo: Wiki)

The junior transport minister and MP for Scarborough and Whitby revealed the government has “no plans to alter the drink drive limit” in a statement given to The Morning Advertiser.

It follows the introduction in Scotland of a 50mg/100ml blood-alcohol limit, slashed from 80mg/100ml, that came into force at the end of last year.

The new limit in Scotland matches that in Northern Ireland – where powers over road safety are also devolved – as well as in several European countries. However, there have been fears of the impact the new limit is already having on sales, caused in part by consumers worrying about being over the limit even the day after they drink.

Paul Waterson, chief executive of pub trade body the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said businesses in the country are reporting that “the drink-driving laws are having more of an effect than the smoking ban”.

Robert Goodwill MP (Photo: Gov.uk)

While confirming that there are no plans to bring about such changes south of the Scottish border, the minister insisted that enforcement of the current limit in England will be improved.

He told the Morning Advertiser, “We are strengthening enforcement by removing the automatic right for drivers who fail a breathalyser test to demand a blood test and also introducing mobile evidential breath testing equipment next year.

“High risk offenders are now also required to prove they are no longer alcohol-dependent before being allowed to drive,” he said.