Rumours persist that the government is set to reject key North Report recommendation

According to a report in The Sun, Sir Peter North (pictured) has responded to rumours that the government is set to reject his recommendation that the drink drive limit should be lowered.

The North Report, published in June 2010, called for the legal limit to be cut from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood.

However, there have been persistent rumours that Philip Hammond, transport secretary, has signalled that he will reject this recommendation.

Sir Peter North was quoted in The Sun as saying: “I’m sure Mr Hammond should listen – I have told him quite clearly what he should do.

“I’m not sure where these briefings come from, whether it’s special advisors or aides.

“I think the best thing to do is to wait and see what his final decision is.”

The recommendation to cut the limit has been backed by a number of organisations including Road Safety GB, ACPO, RoSPA, the AA and the RAC.

James Gibson, press & PR spokesperson for Road Safety GB, said: “We agree with Sir Peter on all counts. We strongly urge the government to lower the drink drive limit in line with his recommendation, but also agree that we should see what the minister’s final decision is rather than reacting to rumour.”

A DfT spokesman said: "The secretary of state will listen carefully to the advice being given on drink-drive limits before announcing his decision in due course."

Click here to read The Sun’s full report.