Slashing the drink-drive limit on England's roads would prevent dozens of deaths every year, the country's fire and rescue authorities say.
In 2014, Scotland cut its legal limit from 80mgs of alcohol per 100ml of blood to just 50mgs. And now, backed by the RAC, the Local Government Association (LGA) says the move should be mirrored in England - saving up to 170 lives a year. It also claims following Scotland's lead could cut the costs incurred by the emergency services and hospitals by nearly £300 million each year.
RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams said: "Scotland's decision to reduce its legal limit for driving to 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood seems to have struck a chord with motorists. In a recent RAC survey of 2,607 drivers more 38% wanted the Scottish lower limit to be the same across England and Wales while 23% wanted to go a step further and have a total ban on consuming alcohol before driving. Having a lower limit would send a clear message to all motorists that taking the risk of drinking and driving is really not a risk worth taking at all."
