79% support drink-drive limit cut

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26 January 2010 at 09:03

A majority of Scots want the drink-drive limit to be reduced, according to a new survey, which has recorded 79% supporting a reduction from the current limit of 80mg per 100 ml of blood to 50mg.

Market research firm Progressive Scottish Opinion quizzed 1,008 people for the Scottish Government about the alcohol limit.

During the annual crackdown over Christmas and New Year, 490 offenders were arrested, of which 47 were found to be repeat drink-drivers.

Four of the repeat offenders have had their cars confiscated, while a further 24 seized are under consideration by the Court.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, of the SNP, has urged the UK Government to take a cue from other European countries and cut drink-drive limits in Scotland.

He called for power in this area to be transferred to Scotland so he would be able to take action.

Chief Superintendent Brian Anderson of Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary, Head for Drink-Driving issues for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, quoted research indicating that a reduction in the limit to 50 mg could save 65 lives annually and avoid 230 serious injuries.

But figures from the festive campaign also show that the number of drivers caught this year reduced significantly on last year's figure of 654 and further on the 2007 figure of 839.

Copyright © Press Association 2010

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Personal injury claims - http://www.rac.co.uk/personalinjury/personal_injury/

Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland - http://www.acpos.police.uk/