Proposals to lower the drink drive limit

Whilst we are now adhering to the reduced speed limit in Bushy Park, there are new proposals on the table to lower the drink drive limit around the country.

The proposals, which have just been published by Sir Peter North, advise that reducing the limit by almost half - from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg - would save hundreds of lives.  The new limit would mean that the one year driving ban already in place stays as it is if you are caught.

Other recommendations in the report will simplify procedures for police being able to both identify and prosecute drug-drivers and will also extend powers for nurses and doctors, who would be able to authorise blood tests for suspected offenders.

The 50mg limit would mean that the UK will be aligned with most of the rest of Europe, but alongside the one year driving ban – it would be a strong law, that is if the Coalition Government move forward with the plans.

We do have many restaurants and pubs in Teddington and plenty of public transport options – do we drink and drive? Do you think this is the right way forward where you can drink and drive or should we have a zero tolerance policy for Teddington?

Further details, comments and statistics are available from the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8742769.stm

Photo by mconnors