CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS DRINK DRIVE POWERS DEBATE

CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS DRINK DRIVE POWERS DEBATE

LOWER LIMIT MEANS FEWER ACCIDENTS

Powers to control drink driving and speed limits should be transferred to Scotland as soon as possible.

Speaking as Scotland’s Police, Law Officers and the Scottish Government launched the annual winter road safety campaign with the added threat that drink drivers could see their cars crushed SNP MSP Dave Thompson called for the Scottish Government to be able to change the drink drive limit and send a strong message that drinking and driving is unacceptable.

Highlands and Islands MSP Dave Thompson who has campaigned for the limit to be cut said:

“There is a clear correlation between cutting the drink driving limit and cutting the numbers of road accidents.

“When the limit was cut in Switzerland, from 80mg to 50 mg, alcohol related road deaths fell by 44% in the first two years. That can not be ignored.

“It is time to lower the drink driving limit, to bring Scotland into line with the rest of Europe and to take real action that saves lives.

“The launch of today’s campaign is welcome and the new tougher penalties will be the shock reminder many people need to stay within the limit and stay safe this Christmas.

“However we need a much tougher permanent reminder. The Labour Government’s review will push the issue into legislative long grass after a general election – and the Conservatives say they don’t want to act.

“All Scotland’s unionist parties supported the Calman Commission, and all say they support the recommendation to transfer powers on drink driving. So let’s get on with it.

“A transfer of powers now could see Scotland forge ahead to make our roads safer rather than leaving our lives in the hands of London legislation.”