Police chiefs and campaigners are calling for a significant reduction in the drink-drive limit, warning that even less than a pint of beer could put motorists over the threshold. The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) are backing a zero-tolerance approach, including roadside driving bans for those who test positive.
The British Medical Association (BMA) wants to lower the legal blood alcohol limit from 80mg per 100ml of blood in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to 50mg, matching Scotland's current limit. For new and commercial drivers, the BMA proposes a limit of 20mg. This would equate to roughly a small glass of wine or beer, meaning just under a pint could tip some men over the limit.
The calls come as road fatalities hit a 13-year high, with 300 people killed in drink-drive collisions in 2022, the highest since 2009. At least 17 organisations, including the Alcohol Health Alliance and road safety charity Brake, have endorsed the BMA's recommendations.
Sussex Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the NPCC's lead for roads policing, said: 'In policing we see the damaging impact of drink and drug driving all too often... Driving under the influence of drink or drugs will not be tolerated.' The APCC added: 'Any amount of alcohol before driving is dangerous.'
Police chiefs are also pushing for legislative changes to allow faster interim disqualifications for those who fail roadside tests, aiming to remove dangerous drivers from roads more quickly.
