Transport minister Lilian Greenwood has revealed the Government is considering introducing a zero alcohol limit for young drivers across the UK, bringing it in line with several European countries.
“We can look to international experience. For example, a number of countries have a lower or zero alcohol limit for young drivers, or a minimum learning period,” Greenwood stated during a Westminster Hall debate.
The current drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland stands at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood – the highest in Europe. Scotland lowered its limit to 50mg/100ml in 2014.
Shocking statistics from the Department for Transport show that 290 people were killed and 4,669 were seriously injured in crashes involving at least one driver aged 17-24 in 2023. 🚨
The RAC Foundation’s director Steve Gooding supported exploring international practices: “Quite rightly the minister has one eye on what is happening overseas to see what might usefully be incorporated into her new road safety strategy later this year. If the evidence stacks up for a reduction of the drink-drive limit for newly qualified drivers then it should be considered.”
Additional safety measures being considered include logbooks, extra hazard perception training, and telematics to track driver behaviour. However, the Government has ruled out graduated driving licensing to avoid “unfairly penalising young drivers.”
Edmund King, director of the AA Charitable Trust, expressed concern about this decision: “Non-legislative changes, such as extra hazard perception and classroom training, will not go far enough to ensure we achieve the necessary balance between protecting young people and allowing them the freedom they need to live their lives.”
