SURVEY SHOWS BACKING FOR DRINK-DRIVE LIMIT CUT

SURVEY SHOWS BACKING FOR DRINK-DRIVE LIMIT CUT

POWERS ‘TO SAVE LIVES’ MUST BE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT DELAY

Welcoming research which reveals four out of five people back a cut in
the drink-drive limit, Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Dave Thomson
repeated calls for the immediate transfer of powers to control drink
driving and speed limits to be transferred to the Scottish Parliament
– as recommended by the Calman Commission.

The Scottish Government-commissioned research found that 79% of those
quizzed want to see the current drink-drive limit reduced from 80 mg
per 100 ml of blood to 50 mg.

Mr Thomson said:

“These findings must sober minds at Westminster so that powers to cut
the drink drive limits, and save lives, can be transferred to Scotland
without further delay.

“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 Labour Government seem determined to push the transfer of powers
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.”