Severe warning issued as drink-drive limit set to be slashed in England and Wales
Warning: This article contains discussion of alcoholism which some readers may find distressing
The government has shared bold plans to tighten the drink-drive limit for drivers in England and Wales.
Currently, the limit in England and Wales remains the highest in Europe, alongside Northern Ireland and Malta, at 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath.
Ministers are now proposing to slash this and instead make the limit the same as it is in Scotland, at 22 micrograms.
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It comes after recent figures revealed that 260 people were killed on roads in Britain in crashes involving a driver who was over the alcohol limit in 2023.
The strategy will aim to reduce deaths and serious injuries on roads by 65 percent by 2035.
Lower drink‑drive limit
Transport minister Lilian Greenwood has insisted, however, that the plan isn't aimed to stop people enjoying a 'great night out'.
"We don’t want to stop people from going to the pub and having a great night out," she told Times Radio.
"What we’re just saying is don’t take your car. So that might mean that, you know, some places you’ll be able to take a bus or a taxi.
"In other places, you’re going out with a group of mates, one of you agrees to be the designated driver."
Greenwood said that cutting Scotland's limit in 2024 didn't 'significantly impact' the pub trade, adding: "I know from working with the pub trade how many great low-alcohol drinks there are out there now, most of our favourite brands produced in a low-alcohol version, so people have lots of opportunities to do something, to choose a different drink when you want to go out and, you know, enjoy yourself in the pub."
Road death numbers have staggered in Britain as of late, and have reduced massively from previous years, with 7,763 related deaths in 1972 compared with 1,602 in 2024.
Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, also noted how 'it is totally unacceptable that at the moment we have 1,600 people a year killed on our roads, and thousands more who were seriously injured'.
Alcolocks for convicted drink‑drivers
Officials are also considering alcolocks (alcohol interlock devices installed in vehicles) for those convicted of drink-driving.
A device, such as a breathalyser, would mean that offenders physically can't use their vehicles unless they've passed.
Immediate licence suspensions
Discussions about suspending those suspected of drink-driving immediately will be part of the strategy, with the potential introduction of roadside tests.
The thought process is to remove dangerous drivers from the road before anything might happen.
Mandatory eye tests for over‑70s
There is set to be a discussion about the idea of those over the age of 70 undergoing an eye test to make sure they are fit to drive.
All motorists, including the elderly, need to see well enough to drive.
Other tests for older drivers are also being considered.
Minimum learning period for learners
A consultation about potentially bringing in a minimum learning period for drivers could force instructors to practice in more varied weather conditions before the all-important test.
Illegal number plates
There are talks of making sure dodgy and illegal number plates used to avoid camera systems are traceable.
As well as this, The Sun reports that there could be stronger penalties for speeding, using a mobile phone while driving and uninsured drivers.
Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.
Topics: Food And Drink, Health, Alcohol, UK News
Anish Vij