The strategy, the first in more than a decade, proposes lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22, matching Scotland’s stricter standard. Officials also plan to introduce alcolocks for some convicted offenders and new powers to suspend licenses for suspected drink- or drug-driving.
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood stressed that the safest approach is simple: “If you’re going to drive, don’t have a drink. If you want to drink, leave your car at home.” She added that the measures are not meant to stop people enjoying a night out but to prevent tragedies, 260 deaths were linked to drink-driving last year.
Other proposals include mandatory sight tests for drivers over 70, a minimum six-month gap between theory and practical tests for learners, and a crackdown on uninsured or illegally modified vehicles. Evidence from Scotland suggests the lower limit has minimal impact on pubs and bars.
Road safety groups and motoring organisations have welcomed the strategy, highlighting it as a major step forward after years of stagnant progress in reducing road deaths. Officials expect the measures, combined with strong enforcement, to save thousands of lives over the next decade.
