By Paul Lucas 21 November 2012
With Scotland moving towards lowering its drink-drive limit, the time has come for the rest of the UK to follow suit.
According to road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist, lives are being put at risk unnecessarily by its high drink-drive limit. 
If Scotland decides to lower its limit, then it will stand at 50mg/100ml, bringing it in line with the rest of Europe. In the UK the blood/alcohol limit currently stands at 80mg/100ml - it is the only nation, along with Malta, to have such a high limit in place.
Northern Ireland appears to be following Scotland's lead as it has announced that its Road Safety Strategy 2020 includes a commitment to lowering the drink-drive limit. However, David Williams MBE, the CEO of GEM Motoring Assist, believes that England and Wales are lagging behind - and are putting lives at risk as a consequence.
"There is no doubt that lives would be saved, year-on-year, with a lower drink drive limit," he said. "Ideally, no-one would get behind the wheel after a drop of alcohol, however, any lowering of the limit will help lead to a reduction in those that are inclined to do so.
"As we approach the festive period, it is a really important time to get this message across. The devastation that comes with the loss of a loved one through any accident, let alone a drink driving accident, is unimaginable and we believe that with the introduction of a lower drink drive limit a number of these unnecessary deaths will be avoided."
However, despite his strong belief that the change in Scotland would be the right move, he does admit that it comes with a number of challenges.
"What makes this change potentially very challenging for UK licence holders is that different laws will apply, rather than a consistent ruling, throughout the United Kingdom," he said.
"So, losing your driving licence in Scotland for a drink driving offence could be the equivalent of a warning in England. There is no doubt that the UK should be in union about this, and in line with the rest of Europe, as we show zero tolerance for drink drivers who put lives at risk."
Categories: General interest , Latest News
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