Plea to reduce drink-drive limits

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7163983.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The UK Government constantly ignores calls to cut the drink-driving limit, according to a Nationalist MSP.

David Thompson made the accusation and said he planned to continue gathering support for the move.

The British Medical Association wants to see the legal limit cut from 80 to 50 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

The organisation has argued that this measure could save about 65 lives a year across the UK.

It has urged MSPs and the Scottish Government to exert more pressure on the UK Government to act.

The current limit has been in place since 1967 and I therefore would welcome any moves by the UK Government to look again at reducing the limit Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill

Police chiefs and alcohol campaigners have also supported the move.

In a letter, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "I discussed the drink-driving level with the Home Secretary earlier this year and believe that it is time for a fresh look at the issue.

"The current limit has been in place since 1967 and I therefore would welcome any moves by the UK Government to look again at reducing the limit."

'Rural areas'

Mr Thompson, MSP for Highlands and Islands, said: "We have made significant progress over the past few months since this campaign began.

"With the help of the BMA, we wish to gain support on this matter from as broad a spectrum of civic Scotland as possible.

"I want to see everyone from council leaders to head teachers and doctors endorsing this campaign which will undoubtedly ensure a safer Scotland."

He added: "I am disappointed by the lack of interest shown in this serious matter by the UK Government and by the Labour party in the Scottish Parliament.

"One in five deaths on Scotland's roads are through drink-driving, with a high number of accidents occurring in rural areas like the Highlands and Islands."