A major new study into the effects of drink driving has recommended big changes to the limits and a total ban for new and professional drivers.

The research, which has been funded by the government, and is being assessed by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), is suggesting that current drink drive laws are confusing and generally out of step with the rest of the world.

The laws in England and Wales have not changed since 1967 and allow for 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. No other country in Europe allows a limit above 50mg, with even Scotland reducing the limit seven years.

“After 10 years of declining levels of enforcement and social media campaigns aimed at young men, it is time for a new, more comprehensive approach to reducing the toll of drink-drive deaths and injuries,” said David Davies, executive director of PACTS.

“Drink-driving is often cited as a road safety success story, yet it remains a major killer and progress has ground to a halt since 2010.

“Not only is better enforcement important but also the issues of mental health and alcohol dependency need to be recognised.

“A lower limit is not a magic bullet but Government policies to reduce drink-driving will lack credibility as long as they avoid this change.”

The last ten years have seen an average of 240 road deaths a year involving a drunk driver.

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