Driving law changes 'wouldn't make sense' if motorists are unfairly punished for breaking rules
Doctors have called for stronger punishments for those who break drink driving rules
GETTY
Experts have called for further research to be done to look at the development of new drink driving laws after doctors suggested measures to crack down on the criminal offence.
In England, Scotland and Wales, the legal drink drive limit is 80mg/100ml of blood, while it is much lower at 50mg/100ml of blood in Scotland, given their tougher rules.
However, leading doctors from the British Medical Association have called for harsher rules to be introduced around the UK to suppress the number of people breaking the law when drinking and getting behind the wheel.
The new proposals would lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 20mg/100ml or 0.02 per cent for new and commercial drivers, while a higher limit of 50mg/100ml (0.05 per cent) for all other drivers.
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The driving law proposals have been backed by several road safety organisations GETTYThe ultimate ambition is to reach 20mg/100ml for all drivers as soon as possible, with the BMA calling on the UK Government and devolved administrations to make the change.
It said this was crucial to ensure that all road users on the road are safe and remind drivers of the dangers of being on the road while under the influence of drink or drugs.
However, some have called for measures to go even further and ban drivers from having any alcohol in their bloodstream to ensure road safety is maintained.
It comes as some road safety organisations complain that the UK has one of the most tolerant drink driving rules across Europe.
Speaking to GB News, John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director at National Accident Helpline, spoke about the recent announcement by the BMA and whether further law changes would make sense.
He said: "Many alternatives are on offer now such as zero per cent, 0.5 per cent beers and alcohol-free Prosecco.
"This should mean that drivers don’t have to feel like they are missing out and can still enjoy a social drink.
"Banning any alcohol in the bloodstream wouldn’t make sense, and likely wouldn’t have the desired impact."
The BMA points to data showing that alcohol and drug-related deaths were at a record high in 2021 and 2022, while fatalities and collisions caused by people driving under the influence have not decreased in the last decade.
Laws were recently made tightened to ensure that causing death by careless driving when under the influence can lead to life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, a driving ban of at least five years and an extended driving test before their licence is returned.
However, drivers who are deemed to be high-risk offenders may be refused from getting their licence back automatically.
Kushnick continued, saying: "All laws require public acceptance and that can only be achieved with a sense of fairness.
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The UK has some of the highest drink driving limits in Europe
PA"While people should strive to drive without having consumed any alcohol, a middle ground where drivers aren’t punished for low variances would garner the best results."
People convicted of drink driving can face more expensive car insurance costs and they could face difficulty when attempting to travel to countries like the United States.
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