could the Government lower the alcohol limit for motorists?

The Government is consulting on whether to lower the alcohol limit for motorists to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, the equivalent of less than a pint of beer or glass of wine.

However, under the initial plans anyone caught by the police would be subject to a 'two strikes' rule under which they would receive six penalty points for the first offence and be disqualified from driving if they reoffended within five years.

Recent research has found that lowering the limit would save 65 lives and 230 injuries a year. It would also save the economy £119 million a year by reducing medical costs and lost working time resulting from accidents.

If the changes were to become law, some drivers, depending on their size and metabolism, would breach the 50 milligrams limit after just one drink. Under the Government's proposal, the automatic ban for breaching the 80 milligrams level would be remain but offenders with alcohol levels between 50 milligrams and 80 milligrams would be penalised only with points on their licences and a fine, or possibly be offered the opportunity of attending an alcohol awareness course.

The Government is also considering giving police the power to stop drivers at random and breathalyse them. At present, the police can only stop a driver if they have reason to believe that an offence has been committed.

For more information, contact Tim Williamson, a solicitor in Blake Lapthorn's Motoring Offences team on 01865 253286; or email tim.williamson@bllaw.co.uk.