The Road Safety Strategy, which will be launched today, plans to reduce the drink-drive limit in England and Wales to match Scotland’s limit.
This would bring it down from 80mg per 100ml of blood – the highest in Europe – to 50mg (or down from 35µg of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22µg).
The Department for Transport press release said the government will also “consult on the use of preventative technology, such as alcohol interlock devices and new powers to suspend driving licences for those suspected of drink or drug driving offences.”
The Times reported that new drivers will have a lower limit of 20mg, effectively zero tolerance, bringing it in line with many European countries including France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.
Dr Katherine Severi, Chief Executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, said:
This is a hugely welcome set of measures that has the potential to save many lives. England and Wales have had the highest drink-drive limit in Europe for years, and bringing it down – alongside a zero-tolerance approach for new drivers – brings us into line with the evidence and almost all other European countries.
There is overwhelming public support for reducing the drink-drive limit, because people understand that even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement and reaction times. The decision to introduce a much stricter limit for novice drivers is particularly important and sends a clear message that drinking and driving simply do not mix.
Claims that lower drink-drive limits harm pubs, particularly in rural areas, are not supported by the evidence. Rural roads are among the most dangerous in the country, accounting for well over half of fatal collisions, and protecting rural communities means reducing risk, not turning a blind eye to it. Maintaining the status quo puts pub customers and staff at risk, and today’s pubs are already adapting to changing habits, with more alcohol-free options and designated drivers more common.
We also strongly welcome the government’s willingness to look at preventative measures such as alcohol interlock devices and stronger sanctions for high-risk offenders. However, Scotland’s experience shows that legislation must be backed by effective enforcement. Roadside breath testing has fallen dramatically over the past decade, and increasing visible, routine testing will be essential if these measures are to deliver their full life-saving potential.
Read our recent blog for the latest evidence, including the impact on rural pubs, the importance of enforcement, and what else needs to be introduced to ensure reducing the limit saves lives.