DRINK DRIVE LIMITS

Early day motion 897, tabled 14 March 2003 by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 48 members.

That this House deplores every death caused by a driver whose ability to drive is impaired by alcohol; acknowledges the European Commission recommendation that drink-drive limits be set no higher than 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood; recognises that, with a limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, the UK is one of only four EU countries to ignore this recommendation; furthermore is greatly concerned that Trans Research Laboratories estimates show that 50 people a year die in road crashes caused by drivers who have a blood alcohol level between 50mg and 80mg per 100ml of blood; believes this to be a needless loss of life; and calls on the Government to lower the drink drive limit, while increasing enforcement and increasing the maximum available penalties for those found guilty of drinking and driving.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Liberal Democrat 15, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, DUP 2, UUP 2.