The two countries’ drink-driving limit is also set to be tightened to be in line with Scotland’s, according to reports.
Drink-driving limit in England and Wales to change from autumn in shake-up
The drink-driving limit will change as part of a radical shake-up of driving laws in England and Wales. The two countries’ drink-driving limit is also set to be tightened to be in line with Scotland’s, according to reports.
The changes are expected to be included in a new road safety strategy set to be published by the government in the autumn. “In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2bn per year,” a government source told the BBC.
“This Labour government will deliver the first Road Safety Strategy in a decade, imposing tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads,” the source added.
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Under the new plans, the drink-drive limit is expected to be tightened from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms, which would match limits already set for Scotland.
Other proposals under consideration could also see police allowed to rely on roadside saliva tests for evidence of drug-driving rather than blood tests.
Speaking previously, a spokesperson added: “The NHS recommends adults should have their eyes tested every two years and drivers are legally required to inform the DVLA if they have a condition which affects their eyesight.
“We are committed to improving road safety and continue to explore ways to achieve this.”
According to the Metropolitan Police, the legal alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
The drink drive limit in Scotland is 22 microgrammes (mcg) of alcohol in 100 ml of breath; 50 milligrammes (mg) of alcohol in 100ml of blood; and 67 milligrammes (mg) in 100 ml of urine.
Whether England, Wales, and Northern Ireland should follow Scotland’s lead regarding the drink-drive limit has been a subject for discussion for several years, with many believing that the limit should be standardised.