Northern Ireland’s environment minister Alex Attwood has outlined his proposals to reduce the drink drive limit in the country by almost half.  At present the blood alcohol limit is in line with UK policy at 80mg/100ml.  Mr Attwood wants to reduce the level to 50mg/100ml.  Within proposals revealed this week he also outlined that there should be a further reduction for young drivers and people who drive for a living to just 20mg/100ml. European countries such as France, Germany and Italy have already adopted the lower threshold of 50mg/100ml.

Road safety charity Brake is keen for the UK to follow Northern Ireland’s lead and reduce levels significantly.  Speaking on behalf of the charity, Julie Townsend said that they would like to see a zero tolerance approach to drink driving - “We would like to see a 20mg limit across the UK and we have got evidence that the majority of drivers would actually support that tougher stance.”  She further added “And the reason we want a zero tolerance approach is that it sends out a very clear message that it’s none for the road.”

The UK Department of Transport recorded 250 deaths related to drink driving in 2010.