Independent review recommends reduced drink-drive blood alcohol limit
Wednesday 16 June 2010
Alcohol Concern welcomes the recommendations of the Independent North Review of Drink and Drug Driving Law released today, in particular, recommendations to reduce drink-drive blood alcohol limits and the introduction of random breath testing to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents and deaths in the UK.
Following extensive research and public consultation, the review conducted by Sir Peter North is the first major review of drink driving laws in more than 30 years and contains 51 recommendations on drink and drug driving.
Recommendations to reduce the current drink drive blood alcohol limits from the current 80mg to 50mg per 100ml, would bring the UK into line with many other European countries, but at 50mg per 100ml would still be more lenient than Poland and Sweden where the limit is 20mg and several countries including the Czech Republic that have “zero-tolerance” policies on drink driving.
Amending the law to require anyone who is driving a motor vehicle to cooperate with a preliminary breath test would extend current powers allowing police to breath test drivers they suspect have been drinking or who have been involved in a driving violation, and act as an additional deterrent to drink drivers willing to take a chance.
Many local police forces conduct roadside testing campaigns during the December and January in acknowledgement of increased alcohol consumption during the festive period, however, evidence has shown that levels of accidents and injuries due to drink-driving peak in June and October illustrating the need for an unambiguous message to drivers and close monitoring throughout the year.
In response to the recommendations, Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern said:
“The ideal level of alcohol consumption before driving is none at all. However, the recommendations of the report present an improved response to the significant rise in mortality rates as blood alcohol levels increase. Reducing acceptable levels of alcohol consumption before driving will decrease the risk of accident and injury to both drivers and bystanders. Compared to driving with no alcohol in the blood, the level of risk triples between 20mg and 50mg whereas this risk of death from drink driving increases six times between 50mg and current limits.
“Given its commitment “to taking tough action to tackle problem drinking” as underlined earlier this month by Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, we hope to see the Coalition Government implement these recommendations as soon as possible.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
- Alcohol Concern’s submission to the 2009 Road Safety Compliance consultation can be viewed on the Alcohol Concern website.
- The full Independent North Review of Drink and Drug Driving Law can be downloaded from the North Review website.
- Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse campaigning for effective alcohol policy and improved services for people whose lives are affected by alcohol-related problems.
- Alcohol Concern is a membership body working at a national level to influence alcohol policy and champion best practice locally. We support professionals and organisations by providing expertise, information and guidance. We are a challenging voice to the drinks industry and promote public awareness of alcohol issues.