UK readies to tackle drink-driving

Permissible limits set to be lowered, punishments to get harsher

Travel Insurance News - 07/12/2009

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The current blood alcohol level permissible for driving has been declared not low enough in the UK by many agencies.

To amend this, the UK government has is considering revising the limits to reduce the permissible legal level further still. The transport secretary Lord Adonis has requested Sir Peter North for advice on this subject, and has requested an enquiry which puts forth a more ideal limit and calls for stricter drink-driving laws.

Based on findings suggested by a new report, it has come to light that the permissible alcohol input that will be considered okay for getting behind a steering wheel, is to be cut down to almost half its original value. 80 mg of alcohol to 100 milliliters of blood is to be lowered to 50 mg of alcohol to 100 milliliters of blood. Also on the agenda, is the tightening of existing punishments. Driving and drinking will now bring forth a multitude of much harsher punishments.

These laws put forth, however, cover individuals who have been drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol. Whether persons under the influence of some other substance are covered or not is yet unclear. In a promotional drive around Christmas, the anti drink and drive campaign will be launched. The Government has reportedly spent around 1.2 million pounds for this campaign. Another campaign that will be launched in pubs across UK will offer discounted or free soft drinks to anyone who wishes to switch from an alcoholic beverage to a non-alcoholic one if they intend to drive.

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