The Labour government has launched a major consultation on plans to significantly tighten drink-driving laws in England and Wales, a move that could render a single pint of beer illegal for many motorists. The proposed reforms, part of a sweeping new road safety strategy, aim to bring the legal limit in line with Scotland and much of Europe.
Stricter Limits and Wider Reforms
At the heart of the proposal is a cut to the legal alcohol limit from 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms. This lower threshold means that for some individuals, particularly women and people of smaller stature, consuming just one standard alcoholic drink could put them over the legal limit. The power to change the limit in Northern Ireland is devolved and is expected to stay at the current level.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated: 'Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.' The government hopes the measures will help achieve its target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035.
Criticism and Safety Measures
The plan has drawn criticism from some quarters. Chris Snowdon of the Institute of Economic Affairs argued: 'After the limit was cut in Scotland, there was no reduction in accidents. Drink-driving accidents typically involve people well over the limit who will only be deterred by proper enforcement of law, not tinkering.' Data shows that one in six road fatalities in 2023 involved drink-driving.
Beyond the limit change, the strategy includes several other key proposals:
- Mandatory fitting of alcolocks – breathalyser devices that prevent a vehicle from starting – for some convicted drink-drivers.
- New powers to suspend licences for those suspected of drink or drug-driving.
- An end to self-reporting of eyesight issues for drivers aged 70 and over, requiring an official eye test instead.
- A crackdown on illegal 'ghost' number plates, with penalty points and vehicle seizure for offenders.
- Potential penalty points for drivers if their passengers are caught not wearing seatbelts.
The Push for Safer Roads
The government's strategy is described as the widest in scope since the 2006 Road Safety Act. It comes as official figures reveal that 1,633 people died in road traffic accidents in 2024, with more than 27,000 seriously injured. Almost a quarter of drivers killed were aged 70 or older.
The crackdown on 'ghost plates' follows a Daily Mail investigation which revealed how plates invisible to traffic cameras are being exploited. The DVLA will now conduct more robust checks on suppliers and explore using AI to identify illegal plates.
While the pub industry may fear further pressure after recent business rate hikes, road safety charities have largely welcomed the focus. Karen Tyrell, chief executive of Drinkaware, emphasised that the proportion of drink-driving collisions causing fatalities has nearly doubled since 2015, making strong enforcement vital alongside any legal change.
