Bookmarkers beware: Bookmarks to pages other than the home page may not work after we change our server in April Editor's Choice | This Week in BMJ | Press releases BMJ No 7129 Volume 316 News Saturday 7 February 1998 UK "drink drive" limit may be cut The British government is seeking views on lowering the drinking limit for drivers to almost half its present level. A consultation paper, Combatting Drink-Driving - Next Steps,was launched this week by the transport minister, Dr Gavin Strang. It says that the government is looking to lower the current legal blood alcohol limit of 80 mg/100 ml (17.4 mmol/l) to 50 mg/ml (10.9 mmol/l) - that is, from about two pints (1.14 litres) of beer to about one pint. The present limit, introduced in 1967, takes insufficient account of drivers' impairment at levels below 80 mg/ml, even though there is much evidence internationally that impairment begins well below that for the average driver, the document states. A key question is whether a 12 month disqualification should apply at 50 mg/ml or whether it should be reserved for drivers whose alcohol level is over 80 mg/ml. The government also invites views on setting a lower legal limit for young or newly qualified drivers for a period after their driving test. Drivers who habitually drink and drive present another problem. For high risk offenders convicted at 200 mg/ml or more and repeat offenders, the maximum punishment is already suitably high. As an additional procedure, if they fail a medical examination designed to detect a chronic drink problem they may be refused a new licence. Another possibility is to increase the police's power to use breath tests. Short of totally unrestricted powers to stop vehicles, some improved enforcement seems worth considering, the paper states. Views are sought on whether the government should encourage the use of self testing breathalysers. Do they provide a useful warning or could they tempt drivers to drink up to the limit? The consultation document is on the internet (http://www.detr.gov.uk/consult.htm) or available by telephoning 0845 3000 715. John Warden London Home | Current issue | Past issues | Classified ads | Career Focus | Feedback Collections | About this site | About the BMJ | BMA | Medline