Planned changes to drink driving laws

06 May 2008

Drink drivers may get to keep their licences

Under government plans, the alcohol limit for motorists would be reduced to the equivalent of less than a pint of beer or a glass of wine.

Additionally, drink drivers would no longer automatically lose their licences if caught driving over the new lower alcohol limit, so long as they were below the old limit.

Those who were caught driving whilst over the alcohol limit would have to face the new “two strikes and you’re out” rule. The first time they offended they would get six points on their licence and if they reoffended within five years they would then be disqualified.

The news has prompted fear from some road safety groups as they feel the changes could send a confusing message to motorists and encourage some to risk driving while under the influence because of the consequences are less serious.

Last year, The Times newspaper revealed that ministers were planning to reduce the alcohol limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.

According to research by the University College London, this reduction in the limit would potentially save 65 lives and 230 injuries each year.

The government proposal would see those breaching the 80mg limit receive the same automatic driving ban as stands today. Offenders caught driving with between 50mg and 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood would only receive points on their licences and a fine and/or be made to attend a course about alcohol awareness.