LARSOA has called on the government to explain the reasons behind its decision to ‘perform a u-turn’ on plans to reduce the drink-drive limit.
A report in The Times on 6 October claimed that the government has changed its mind about reducing the limit from 80mg to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
Reducing the limit would bring the UK in line with the rest of Europe and research shows it would save 65 lives each year. LARSOA backed plans to reduce the limit announced in July by Sir Liam Donaldson, the government’s chief medical advisor.
The Times article says that when the consultation document on the drink drive limit is released later this year it will not include the proposal, as the government does not see drivers who have between 50mg and 80mg of alcohol in their blood as a priority.
Alan Kennedy, vice chair of LARSOA, said: “We are absolutely staggered at the government’s decision. LARSOA will be writing directly to Jim Fitzpatrick demanding an explanation for this u-turn.
“The government should be presenting a clear message that drinking and driving is not acceptable under any circumstances instead of presenting a view that it is socially acceptable to put peoples lives at risk by driving after having a drink.”
