05.11.2014
Next month will see the introduction of legislation reducing the drink-drive limit in Scotland from 80 mg per 100 ml of blood to 50 mg. Officers have advised motorists to make sure they do not get into trouble by abstaining from drink altogether when they are taking to the roads in the festive period.
The new rules take effect on December 5th and Police Scotland estimate an extra 35 drivers will end up being caught and banned every week.
Chief Superintendent Iain Murray, who heads up policing on Scotland's roads, said: "Drink-driving causes significant impact on families and our local communities not just at Christmas but throughout the year and the proposed changes send a clear message that there is no safe alcohol limit for drivers."
He added: "Our advice to all drivers is don't risk it. Even at the new levels you will still be three times more likely to die in a collision than without any alcohol at all."
Since April 1st this year, 3,317 people in Scotland have been caught driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, while 434 were found to be over the alcohol limit last Christmas. In addition, over 100 more were warned by police.
As well as bans for drink drivers, the offence causing death by driving while under the influence of drink or drugs will lead to a driving ban of up to two years and a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Plans to cut the legal drink-drive limit moved closer this week when the Justice Committee in the Scottish Parliament unanimously backed the plan, meaning ministers at Holyrood can seek to move an order that will bring the law into effect on schedule.
Police Scotland Warns Drivers As New Law Comes Into Force
The introduction of more stringent anti drink-driving laws in Scotland could lead to a higher than normal number of drivers losing their licences as a result of being caught in the Christmas period, Police Scotland has warned.Next month will see the introduction of legislation reducing the drink-drive limit in Scotland from 80 mg per 100 ml of blood to 50 mg. Officers have advised motorists to make sure they do not get into trouble by abstaining from drink altogether when they are taking to the roads in the festive period.
The new rules take effect on December 5th and Police Scotland estimate an extra 35 drivers will end up being caught and banned every week.
Chief Superintendent Iain Murray, who heads up policing on Scotland's roads, said: "Drink-driving causes significant impact on families and our local communities not just at Christmas but throughout the year and the proposed changes send a clear message that there is no safe alcohol limit for drivers."
He added: "Our advice to all drivers is don't risk it. Even at the new levels you will still be three times more likely to die in a collision than without any alcohol at all."
Since April 1st this year, 3,317 people in Scotland have been caught driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, while 434 were found to be over the alcohol limit last Christmas. In addition, over 100 more were warned by police.
As well as bans for drink drivers, the offence causing death by driving while under the influence of drink or drugs will lead to a driving ban of up to two years and a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Plans to cut the legal drink-drive limit moved closer this week when the Justice Committee in the Scottish Parliament unanimously backed the plan, meaning ministers at Holyrood can seek to move an order that will bring the law into effect on schedule.
Expert Opinion
Even a small amount of alcohol can impair the ability and judgement of a driver and we have seen the significant damage that can be caused when people get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. The new drink-drive limits in Scotland will hopefully lead to a reduction in the number of fatalities and serious injuries on the nation’s roads and it is important that motorists abstain from alcohol before driving. <br/> <br/>“When driving a vehicle after consuming alcohol, not only are you a threat to yourself, you also put passengers, other drivers and pedestrians at risk. We welcome the reduction in the drink-drive limit in Scotland and hope that it leads to a reduction in motorists driving after drinking.”
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