Doctors want drink-driving limit reduced HEALTH: ALCOHOL
The British Medical Association says the move would reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries caused by drivers impaired by alcohol. The latest figures show that incidents related to drink- driving caused the deaths of 30 people on Scotland's roads in 2005, along with a further 660 accidents.
The UK is one of only four countries in the European Union, along with Ireland, Luxembourg and Malta, that has an 80mg limit.
The remaining 23 countries have a limit of 50mg or less, which is equivalent to one pub measure of alcohol such as half a pint of strong beer.Among those backing the campaign, which will be launched on Tuesday at the Scottish parliament, is Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
He said: "By reducing the limit, that will put out a very strong message to people that the government is serious about drinking and driving and serious about tackling drinking generally."
The drink-driving limit is a reserved issue. Last week, UK road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick said the Westminster government would be consulting on lowering the limit, adding that "there is always an argument for zero tolerance".
The UK is one of only four countries in the European Union, along with Ireland, Luxembourg and Malta, that has an 80mg limit.
The remaining 23 countries have a limit of 50mg or less, which is equivalent to one pub measure of alcohol such as half a pint of strong beer.Among those backing the campaign, which will be launched on Tuesday at the Scottish parliament, is Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands.
He said: "By reducing the limit, that will put out a very strong message to people that the government is serious about drinking and driving and serious about tackling drinking generally."
The drink-driving limit is a reserved issue. Last week, UK road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick said the Westminster government would be consulting on lowering the limit, adding that "there is always an argument for zero tolerance".