The government is finally moving to reduce the drink-drive limit in England and Wales, and for many campaigners, it’s about time.
Hunter Abbott, Managing Director of AlcoSense Laboratories and a member of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), has long pushed for change. He welcomes Labour’s plan to cut the legal blood alcohol limit from 80mg per 100ml of blood (0.80‰ BAC) to 50mg (0.50‰ BAC). That would bring England and Wales into line with Scotland and much of Europe.
Why the Change Matters
Abbott points out that at the current 80mg limit, drivers are 13 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared with someone sober. He calls them “legal but lethal” drivers.
Even at the proposed 50mg level, risk remains—drivers are still five times more likely to be in a deadly collision than if they hadn’t drunk at all. For him, the real goal should be 20mg, a limit already used in Sweden, Norway, Poland, and soon Spain.
“A 20mg threshold strikes the right balance,” Abbott argues. “It stops impairment before it starts and matches the best international standards.”
Lessons from Scotland
Some critics often claim Scotland’s 2014 limit reduction made little difference to road safety. But a 2024 AlcoSense survey told a different story:
-
79% of Scots believe their roads are now safer.
-
77% want England and Wales to follow their lead.
-
40% say they drink less overall.
Abbott says the takeaway is clear: lowering the limit changes behaviour. Fewer people risk driving after drinking when the law is stricter.
The Numbers Speak Volumes
In 2023 alone, 260 people were killed in drink-driving crashes across England and Wales, with a total of 6,310 casualties. And progress has flatlined—fatalities have sat above 200 every year for nearly a decade.
More Than Just a Limit Change
Abbott stresses that reducing the legal limit is just one part of the solution. He also calls for:
-
More post-crash testing (currently only 37% of drivers are breathalysed, compared with 51% ten years ago).
-
Random roadside checks, which are standard in much of Europe but not in the UK.
-
Better public education, especially around the dangers of “the morning after” when alcohol lingers in the system.
Time to Catch Up
“The UK once led the way,” Abbott reminds us, pointing to the world’s first roadside breath test in 1967. “Now we’re lagging behind. In 2025, there’s no excuse for laws that still allow impaired drivers on our roads. Lowering the limit will save lives—and that alone should be reason enough.”
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.
