The drink-driving limit in England and Wales is set to be slashed as part of a major safety crackdown – with a range of other new laws also on the way for motorists
The Government is set to slash the drink-driving limit in England and Wales, marking one of the most significant changes to drink-driving laws in years. This move comes after safety campaigners have been urging for stricter measures to reduce fatalities and injuries on the roads.
The current limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath is expected to be reduced to 22 micrograms, aligning it with the existing limit in Scotland.
This change would mean that drivers would be able to consume less alcohol before getting behind the wheel, although police continue to advise against drinking any alcohol before driving. In other news, UK drivers got warned over ‘avoiding’ road instead of having to follow new rule.
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It’s hoped that the lower limit will deter people from drink-driving. These new rules are part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, which is due to be introduced this autumn, potentially in October or November.
However, it may take some time for the new limit to become law and be enforced on our roads. Motorists should be aware that these changes are likely to be implemented in the coming months.
Other amendments to driving laws are also anticipated, including potential eyesight tests every three years for drivers aged 70 and above, reports Birmingham Live.
These changes aim to enhance road safety and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries. If they fail to complete the compulsory eye-tests, they could risk getting banned from getting behind the wheel.
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“In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying [on the roads each year], with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2bn per year,” a Government source revealed to the BBC.
“This Labour government will deliver the first Road Safety Strategy in a decade, imposing tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads.”
According to the latest figures by RAC Foundation, there are approximately 51.9 million registered driving licenses in the UK, including both full and provisional licenses. 42 million own a driver’s license, whilst around 10 million have a provisional license. Although the proposals are still under consultation, once they have been approved, it would lead to the biggest change to UK driving laws in decades.
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