The government is to consult on lowering the alcohol limit for drivers as part of the first road safety strategy in a decade. The limit in England and Wales has remained unchanged since 1967.
The consultation will look at whether to reduce the limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms, to bring it in line with Scotland. It also includes proposals to suspend the licences of people suspected of drink or drug driving offences, as well as the introduction of alcohol interlock devices – which prevent a vehicle from being started unless the driver passes a breath test – for offenders.  One in six road fatalities in 2023 involved drink driving, the government states.
‘Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities,’ said transport secretary Heidi Alexander. ‘For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.’
Meanwhile, almost a quarter of people who have tried low- or no-alcohol alternative drinks say the products have reduced their alcohol consumption, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by drinks industry body the Portman Group. Alcohol alternatives are more popular with younger age groups, with 43 per cent of 18-24-year-olds and 40 per cent of 35-44-year-olds consuming them ‘semi-regularly’.
‘It’s good news that UK adults are embracing moderate drinking and low and no alcohol options like never before, showing these products are now a mainstream choice helping people to drink responsibly while still enjoying social occasions,’ said Portman Group CEO Matt Lambert.