Drink Drive Limit Enforced

Motorists are being warned not to take the risk as a lower drink drive limit comes into force in Scotland.

The Scottish Parliament unanimously voted in favour of a law to lower the blood alcohol limit from 80mg in every 100ml of blood to 50mg in every 100ml of blood on November 18.

According to Police Scotland, the number of motorists caught under the limit could rise by 35 per week during the festive season.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said:

"Scotland will have a new lower drink drive limit from today, making our roads safer and saving lives.

"A public information campaign has been running to make sure drivers are informed. Alcohol at any level will impair your ability to drive - even at the new limit you are three times more likely to die in a crash than with no alcohol in your system.

"This will bring Scotland into line with most of Europe. The evidence from the Republic of Ireland which has brought in the same lower limit suggests we will see convictions go down, reductions in drink driving and lower blood alcohol counts.

"We are leading the way across the UK - the new limit has backing from experts, road safety campaigners and the majority of the public north and south of the border.

"When it comes to drinking and driving our advice is simple, it's just not worth it. Don’t put lives at risk, the best approach is to have no alcohol at all.”

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: 

"Our message is clear - don't risk it and don't drink and drive.

"Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe. When the current drink drive limit is lowered on Friday, December 5 this will be a significant step towards improving safety on Scotland's roads and we fully support the Scottish Government's decision to lower it.

"Police Scotland will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure drivers understand the risk they pose to themselves and others if they drink, or take drugs, and drive."

Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland, said:

"It's almost 50 years since the current limit was introduced and that we still lose an average of 20 lives a year in Scotland is a disgrace. Evidence from across the world demonstrates that the best results in tackling drink-driving are achieved by lowering the limit, or increasing enforcement, or both.

"We know, too, that a combination of high-profile enforcement, coupled with a heavyweight media campaign is the most efficient use of resources, and we are working closely with Police Scotland and other partners to ensure that people know about the change to the limit and have no excuse.

"It's not about catching more drink-drivers, but about preventing people from doing it in the first place. Ultimately, most of us have too much to lose, so it’s just not worth the risk."