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Labour could overhaul a driving law for the first time in 60 years. The Labour Party government is considering a rule change across roads in England - which could see the drink-driving limit reduced for the first time since 1967. It would mark the first major overhaul since the Road Safety Act 2006. But it would also mark the first time the alcohol limit had changed for road users, motorists and drivers in England for DECADES. Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town told the Lord's last week, as the government continues to mull over any potential shake-up to the alcohol restrictions placed on road users: "A fifth of road deaths, about 250 people a year, are killed because of drink and drive." READ MORE Thousands of Blue Badge holders issued update over free bus travel She compared the toll to "a Boeing 787 crashing every year." The Labour peer argued that impairment begins at 50 milligrams, noting that "three-quarters of the public" support lowering the limit. Lord Hendy expressed condolences for her losses and confirmed that the Government views "driving under the influence of drink is unacceptable and illegal." He pledged the administration would "think carefully and act decisively" on the evidence. According to the Metropolitan Police, the legal alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Lord Hendy, Minister of State for the Department for Transport, stated: “(The Government) are considering options for requiring the fitment of the safety technologies mandated by the EU's general safety regulation.” RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “A new approach to tackling these repugnant crimes is desperately needed. We hope this will be a key part of the Government’s forthcoming road safety strategy. “We've consistently been calling for a change in approach when it comes to reducing alcohol-related road deaths, as it’s clear the status quo isn’t working. RAC research shows drivers are supportive of courts being given the powers to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks (‘alcolocks’) to offenders’ vehicles to prevent them driving drunk again. This has the potential to reduce drink-drive casualties, especially among habitual offenders. “Since 2022 we have urged the Government to consider mandating all new vehicles have interfaces that allow alcolocks to be fitted easily. We are also supportive of police being given the powers to immediately disqualify any driver who fails a drink or drugs test at the roadside."
