Northern Irish drink-drive limit could be reduced

Date: 26/9/2011

Motorists in Northern Ireland could see the country's drink-drive limit slashed, following proposals put forward by the country's Environment Minister.

Alex Attwood has revealed plans to overhaul drink-driving rules, such as introducing a blood alcohol threshold of 50 mg per 100 ml, down from the current 80 mg per 100 ml.

Inexperienced or younger motorists could find the limit cut to 20 mg per 100 ml.

Other suggestions the Environment Minister announced included random breath-testing powers and a graduated penalty scheme.

Commenting on the proposals, Mr Attwood said: "I have listened to the public on this. There is widespread public support for a step change in how we deal with drink-drivers and I believe that what I am proposing will make a real difference."

A recent study by AXA Car Insurance of motorists aged between 18 and 30 years old found that young individuals who have seen their parents drink alcohol before getting behind the wheel are seven times more likely to copy this behaviour than those who have not witnessed such actions.

Posted by Sarah Bailey