As Labour considers reducing the drink-driving limit in autumn’s road safety strategy, we want to hear your thoughts on the so-called ‘biggest shake-up to driving laws in decades’
The Government is considering lowering the drink-driving limit in what has been called the “biggest shake-up to our driving laws for decades” – and we want to hear your thoughts on the proposal.
It comes as the number of people killed in drink-driving incidents has risen over the past decade, reaching a 13-year high in 2022. Under the road safety strategy, which is set to be published in the autumn, the drink-drive limit in England and Wales will reportedly be reduced from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms – the current level for Scotland, according to The Times.
Speaking about the plans to overhaul road safety laws, justice minister Alex Davies-Jones told BBC Breakfast: “This is the biggest shake-up to our driving laws for decades, and that’s because this is what the public have been telling us that they want, they want us to be taking action, they feel like the time is right for us to review these laws.” It comes after thousands of Brits are to get a shock letter from HMRC after a drastic new tax rule comes into force.
She added: “We are looking at maybe reducing the drink-driving limit, which, again, we know that that [the younger] age demographic is those most likely to be caught under the influence of drink-driving.” The road shake-up could also see Brits get points on their licence for not wearing a seatbelt or tougher punishments for driving without insurance, while over 70s could be banned from driving if they fail compulsory eye tests.
The news has been welcomed by motoring groups, with many describing the changes as “a step in the right direction”. Edmund King, AA president, said: “This strategy is much overdue as road deaths have plateaued over the last decade. We believe these new measures will not only modernise our approach to saving lives but also provide renewed momentum in making our roads safer for everyone.”
IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes added: “Given progress on reducing fatal and serious collisions has stalled in recent years, we welcome the UK Government’s ambition to publish an updated road safety strategy with the reported measures being a step in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, a Labour source said: “At the end of the last Labour government, the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads was at a record low, but numbers have remained stubbornly high under successive Conservative governments. In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2billion per year.”
As the Government considers the major diving overhaul, we want to know if you think the drink-driving limit should be reduced. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.
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