RoSPA backs Scotland’s bid to lower drink-drive limit

RoSPA is urging other parts of the UK to consider lowering the drink-drive limit after publishing a response to the proposal in Scotland.

Experts estimate that a 50mg limit would save between 77 and 168 lives a year in England and Wales, which could increase to as many as 300 lives annually by the 6th year.

The Scottish Government’s consultation paper suggests that a lower limit could save as many as 17 lives a year on Scotland’s roads.

The paper also suggests that drivers who have alcohol levels between 50mg and 80mg are two to two-and-a-half times more likely to be involved in an accident than drivers with no alcohol – and up to six times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash.

Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA’s chief executive, said: “We now urge England and Wales to follow the progress that Scotland and Northern Ireland are making in a bid to save more lives across the UK.

“There is conclusive evidence that reducing the drink-drive limit will significantly reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.”