BMA Cymru Wales Puts Pressure On The Prime Minister To Cut The Drink Drive Limit

Main Category: Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Article Date: 08 Apr 2008 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Doctors' leaders in Wales have set up a petition on the Downing Street website, to increase support for a reduction in the permitted blood alcohol level for driving.

The BMA wants to see the maximum level reduced from 80mg per 100ml, to 50mg.

This would bring the UK more in line with other European countries.

BMA Welsh Secretary, Dr Richard Lewis said: "We believe that a further reduction in blood alcohol concentrations will prevent deaths and reduce the number of lives ruined by drinking drivers."

"With this petition on the Number 10 website, we hope to persuade Gordon Brown and his government, that there is enough support for lowering the blood alcohol level to 50mg."

"The introduction of the current limit, backed up by police enforcement and TV and media education campaigns, led to a dramatic fall in the number of deaths on the road, but the position has been stagnant since 1993. We need a new impetus to reduce the toll of injury and death."

The BMA is not suggesting a zero limit because there will be cases where an individual would register slightly above zero, even when they had not been drinking (diabetes and the use of mouthwash can both cause an above-zero level). The BMA doubts whether an absolute zero would be enforceable and acceptable to the public but argues that a 50mg level, would be effective and beneficial.

To view and sign the petition, follow the link.

http://www.bma.org.uk