On January 7th, the UK government launched a comprehensive new Road Safety Strategy for England and Wales.
The strategy, which seeks to cut deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035 (70% for children under 16), focuses on the continuing problem of drink driving, which remains one of the main causes of serious road accidents.
The proposals in the strategy are open to public consultation, and include mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 years old and new rules on drink driving. While deaths and serious injuries from road accidents have drastically reduced since the 1970s, the rate of reduction has slowed down in recent years, prompting the government to take action.
In England, Wales Northern Ireland and Malta, the legal alcohol limit for drivers is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath; all other European countries have lower limits. In 2014, the level permitted in Scotland was reduced to 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath, and under the new proposals, it seems likely that the limits in England and Wales will be brought in line with Scotland.
Transport secretary Lilian Greenwood has suggested that drivers should ‘play it safe’ and simply not drink any alcohol before driving. Attempting to quell concerns by those working in the pub trade, she pointed out that evidence from Scotland showed that reducing the alcohol limit had had no significant effect in that regard.
If you are facing prosecution for a drink driving offence, including careless or inconsiderate driving, drink driving or dangerous driving, solicitors at Auriga Advocates have the expertise and experience to help you prepare your defence, and support you through the legal process. Contact us now, and let’s discuss your circumstances and plan a way forward.