Parliamentary.ai

Overview

This bill proposes to amend the Road Traffic Act 1988, lowering the legal alcohol limit for driving in the UK. The changes aim to reduce drink-driving incidents and improve road safety.

Description

The bill modifies the definition of "prescribed limit" within the Road Traffic Act 1988. Specifically, it lowers the permitted alcohol levels in:

• Breath: from the current level to 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
• Blood: from the current level to 50 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
• Urine: from the current level to 67 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.

The bill's extent covers the whole of the United Kingdom. The Secretary of State will determine the commencement date for the lowered limits through statutory instrument.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. However, implementing the changes might involve costs related to increased enforcement (e.g., police training, breathalyser equipment), potential court costs, and public awareness campaigns. No figures are provided in the bill text itself.

Groups Affected

This bill will primarily affect:

• Drivers: The lowered limits will mean more drivers could be prosecuted for drink-driving, leading to potential fines, driving bans, and criminal records.
• Pubs and bars: Potentially decreased customer numbers, although this is indirect and depends on how individuals respond to the stricter limits.
• Police: Increased workload due to potentially higher numbers of drink-driving arrests and prosecutions.
• The justice system: Increased caseloads in courts dealing with drink-driving offences.