Drink-drive restrict lowered by Government in order that no quantity booze is protected
The government is proposing to lower the drink-driving limit in England and Wales to bring it in line with Scotland, with the AA warning motorists should avoid alcohol altogether before getting behind the wheel
In a major shake-up to existing driving laws, drivers are expected to see the drink driving limit slashed drastically as the government introduces new measures to help make Britain’s roads safer.
The measure, which will be subject to consultation, forms part of the government’s broader road safety strategy unveiled on Wednesday.
The proposals also include a lower drink-driving limit in England and Wales, to bring them in line with Scotland. The road safety strategy is also expected to propose reducing the alcohol limit for novice motorists and those within their two-year probation period from 80mg per 100ml of blood to around 20mg.
For all other drivers, the level would be lowered to around 50mg. What that translates to in terms of an actual drink is difficult to define with the AA motoring organisation saying it would therefore be best to avoid alcohol before driving altogether.
“It is dangerous to state one pint or large glass of wine may be under the 50 mg limit because that would depend on the alcohol strength of the drink and metabolic rates of the individual,” a spokesperson said. But some in the pub industry said it could hurt the sector.
The British Beer and Pub Association said the government would need to consider how to “mitigate the significant impact further restrictions would have for pubs, jobs and community hubs in rural areas, which may already suffer from little to no public transport”.
The new proposed changes to driving laws won’t only affect the drink driving limit but will also affect drivers over the age of 70 to ensure they are fit and capable to operate their vehicles. Under proposed changes to driving laws aimed at reducing accidents, drivers aged 70 and above will be required to undergo vision tests every three years.
These reforms are part of the government’s new road safety strategy, due to be unveiled today. The strategy also includes plans to align the English drink-driving limit with that of Scotland and to impose penalty points on those not wearing seatbelts.
The move follows 2024 statistics revealing a quarter of drivers who lost their lives that year were 70 or older. According to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), British drivers must be capable of reading a number plate from a minimum distance of 20 metres.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Self-reporting of visual failings permits drivers to lie about their current driving status, [compared] to those performing an ophthalmic assessment, and avoid warnings not to drive”.
