‘Lower the drink-drive limit’

Last updated 12:33, Saturday, 03 May 2008

TWO-thirds of drivers in the north west are backing a bid to lower the drink-drive limit.

An AA poll of more than 17,000 drivers revealed 65 per cent favour reducing the current limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

Lowering the limit to 50mg would bring the country into line with many European nations and, it is argued, could save up to 65 lives a year.

Nationally, a reduction was favoured by 62 per cent of men and as many as 75 per cent of women who took part in the AA poll.

Twenty-eight per cent of members wanted to keep the current limit, while almost a third – 30 per cent – had a zero tolerance policy.

Only 42 per cent of drivers aged 18-24 were keen on a lower limit, compared with half of those aged 35-54.

Regionally, the greatest support for a reduction was in Scotland and Wales, where 72 per cent were in favour. Londoners were the least supportive, at 61 per cent.

The AA advised if the Government decides to bring in the 50mg limit, police should issue advisory letters to those found between 50mg and 80mg in the months before it is introduced.

AA president Edmund King said: “We have set up the biggest motoring panel in the UK to get clearer guidance on policy issues from our members.

“The first results of the panel clearly show that there is now widespread support for a reduction in the drink-drive limit.

“Although many of those killed in drink-drive crashes are way above the current limit, a move to a lower limit would send out a clear message about the dangers of drink-driving.”