A new drink-drive threshold could be introduced in England. The Department for Transport is contemplating a new drink-drive limit as part of its Road Safety Strategy, and is set to shortly release the results of a consultation into it.
The Government said: “There are differing limits in the United Kingdom, with a lower limit in Scotland compared to England and Wales. Northern Ireland is planning to lower limits in the near future, as shown below. This is a complex area so we are specifically seeking views through this consultation.”
The consultation ended on May 16, with a promise to publish responses ‘within three months’ and changes to legislation ‘later this year’, meaning the next stage should be reached by August 16.
The current limits
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the limits are 80mg (milligrammes) in 100ml (millilitres) of blood, 35µg (microgrammes) in 100ml of breath and 107mg in 100ml of urine.
Concerns over younger drivers
NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), who were commissioned by the government to look into changes, found that younger drivers are particularly at risk of having a collision whenever they have consumed alcohol.
This is because they are less experienced drivers and their immaturity means they have a lower tolerance to the effects of alcohol than older people. It is also because younger drivers may also be predisposed to risk-taking, regardless of whether or not they have drunk alcohol, NICE found.
“Given the relative inexperience of novice drivers, the government is consulting on a lower drink limit for this group,” the government said.
Looking to the Scottish model
In Scotland, the limits are 50mg in 100ml of blood, 22µg in 100ml of breath and 67mg in 100ml of urine, which could pave the way for a cut in England too.
A summary of responses will be published this month, the DfT said, ahead of the government moving to ‘amend the legislation later this year’.
Jurisdictional note: Drink-drive limits are not uniform across the United Kingdom. The limits described here for England and Wales differ from those already in force in Scotland, where a lower threshold applies. Any change arising from this consultation would relate to the law in England and Wales.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
