Overview

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

Description

The bill amends the definition of "prescribed limit" within the Road Traffic Act 1988. Specifically, it lowers the legal alcohol limit for driving:

• Breath: from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms.
• Blood: from 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood to 50 milligrams.
• Urine: from 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine to 67 milligrams.

The bill applies across the whole of the United Kingdom and will come into force on a date set by the Secretary of State.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. However, there may be indirect costs associated with enforcement (e.g., increased police resources for testing) and potential increases in court cases.

Groups Affected

• Drivers: The most directly affected group. Drivers will need to be more careful about their alcohol consumption before driving to avoid exceeding the new lower limits and facing penalties.
• Police: Increased workload in enforcing the stricter limits and conducting roadside breath tests.
• The Courts: A potential increase in the number of drink-driving cases processed.
• Pubs and bars: May see a change in customer behavior due to the lower limit.

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