A new survey suggests there is widespread public support for lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults shows that 87% believe stricter penalties are needed to deter people from driving under the influence.
The poll by personal breathalyser firm AlcoSense is an early indication of public sentiment, ahead of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy consultation deadline of 11 May.
Nearly eight in ten respondents (78%) said the current legal alcohol limit should be lowered from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Just 12% said it should remain unchanged.
Half of those surveyed (50%) said the limit should be slashed to 20mg or zero. A further 28% said it should be brought into line with Scotland’s 50mg limit.
There is also a clear consensus for more immediate enforcement powers. Three quarters of respondents said police should be able to suspend a driver’s licence at the roadside if they test over the limit or refuse to provide a sample.
AlcoSense managing director Hunter Abbott said the findings, which included questions similar to those in the Government consultation, indicated a shift in public attitudes.
“People are saying the current system is not tough enough,” he said. “There is staunch support not only for lowering the alcohol limit, but also for giving police the powers they need to deal with offenders quickly and effectively.
“England and Wales currently have the highest drink-drive limit in Europe. Our research suggests this is no longer seen as acceptable.”
The call for stricter limits is even greater for higher-risk groups. Around two-thirds of respondents said commercial and novice drivers should be subject to a 20mg or zero limit.
The study suggests the public sees legal limits and police action as equally important. A majority (58%) said the most effective way to tackle drink driving would be to combine a lower limit with more robust enforcement, rather than relying on either approach alone.
Hunter Abbott added: “There is a clear recognition that changing the law on its own is not enough.
“People want to see enforcement alongside it, so that the rules have real impact. Motorists who pose a risk should not be allowed to continue driving while legal proceedings are ongoing.”
The latest data published by the DfT show there were 260 fatalities in drink-drive collisions in 2023, with a total of 6,310 people injured in incidents involving drivers over the legal limit.
The survey findings also indicate that more stringent drink-drive laws will have limited impact on social behaviour. More than a third of those who visit pubs and restaurants said their habits would not change if the limit was reduced, while only a small minority (13%) said they would be likely to visit licensed premises less often.
Abbott added: “With the consultation closing soon, this is a clear signal that the public expects meaningful Government action to improve road safety and prevent avoidable deaths and injuries.”
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