The drink driving limit in England and Wales is due to be lowered amid a safety crackdown.
Safety campaigners have been lobbying the Government to tighten aspects of motoring law with the aim of reducing fatalities and injuries on the roads. In response, the Government is taking action and slashing the drink driving limit.
In 2022 alone, there were around 300 fatalities in Great Britain linked to drink driving. There were around 6,800 casualties in situations where at least one person was over the drink driving limit.
The drink driving limit is measured in several ways. The current limit is measured as 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, and 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.
The limit of 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath is expected to be reduced to 22 micrograms, aligning with the current law in Scotland. This change will mean that drivers can be prosecuted after consuming smaller amounts of alcohol than before.
The police advise against drinking any alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
The new law is expected to come into force in autumn 2025, as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.
If you are looking for representation from our criminal law team, call 01245 358894 or email criminal@gepp.co.uk.
