Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has introduced an order in Parliament which will mean that, subject to approval, a reduced drink-drive limit will come into effect on 5 December 2014, in time for the Christmas period.
Under the plans, Scotland’s blood alcohol limit will be reduced from 80mg in every 100 ml of blood, to 50 mg in every 100 ml of blood, bringing Scotland into line with most other European countries.
The Scottish Government had previously announced the intention to reduce the limit following a consultation which found almost three quarters of those who responded believed the drink-drive limit should be reduced.
Sandy Allan, RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager, Scotland said:
“RoSPA welcomes and strongly supports the Scottish Government’s decision to lower the drink-drive limit in Scotland, which we believe will save lives and prevent injuries on Scotland’s roads. There is a considerable body of research which shows that reducing drink-drive limits is effective in reducing drink-drive deaths and injuries. We would like to see the rest of the UK follow Scotland’s example.”