Ministers are encountering resistance from pub owners regarding their proposal to reduce the legal drink-driving limit in order to enhance road safety.
As part of a significant road safety initiative, the UK government is contemplating lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms, aligning it with Scotland’s limit set in 2014. Presently, England and Wales have the highest limit in Europe, matching Malta.
The potential reduction in the limit could result in even a single pint causing some individuals to surpass the threshold, with various factors such as age, weight, and gender influencing the amount of alcohol one can consume before reaching the limit.
Concerns have been raised by representatives of rural pubs about the potential negative impact on the industry due to the proposed change. However, government officials have defended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of preventing alcohol-related road accidents which have led to tragic losses. They highlight that Scotland’s experience with a lower drink-drive limit did not adversely affect the pub sector.
Ms. Greenwood, the Transport Minister, emphasized the clear message of not drinking and driving, urging individuals to leave their cars at home if they plan to consume alcohol. She cited the heartbreaking stories of families who have suffered due to drink-driving incidents, underscoring the necessity of taking action.
Statistics reveal a concerning trend, with an increase in drink-driving fatalities over the past decade, reaching a 13-year peak in 2022. The proposal comes in the wake of ongoing road safety challenges, with a significant number of fatalities involving drivers over the legal alcohol limit.
The proposed road safety strategy aims to introduce new measures, including mandatory installation of “alcolocks” for some convicted drink-drivers and the authority to suspend driving licenses for individuals suspected of drink or drug-driving offenses. An alcohol interlock, or ‘alcolock,’ is a device that prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver’s breath contains alcohol above a certain limit.
Critics of the plan, including Reform leader Nigel Farage, argue that the move could negatively impact country pubs. However, the British Beer and Pub Association stresses its commitment to promoting responsible drinking and supporting road safety campaigns, despite acknowledging the challenges faced by the pub sector.
The government is seeking public opinion on the proposed drink-drive limit reduction through a poll, inviting individuals to share their views on the potential change.