Overview
- Ministers published a strategy proposing to lower the legal drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 35 to 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath, aligning with Scotland and much of Europe.
- The plan includes consulting on alcohol interlocks for some offenders and new powers to suspend licences for suspected drink or drug driving before conviction.
- Targeted measures would require regular vision checks for drivers aged 70 and over and introduce a minimum learning period for learners, with a stricter drink-limit for novice drivers under consideration.
- The strategy sets targets to cut deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, with related proposals on seatbelt penalties, tougher action on uninsured driving and drug testing, and mandatory safety tech such as autonomous emergency braking.
- Road safety groups welcomed the direction, while pub industry bodies and rural landlords warned of trade impacts without better transport; any change in Northern Ireland would be for its Assembly to decide.