Lower drink-drive limit, says Yorkshire police chief

North Yorkshire deputy chief constable Adam Briggs joined motoring organisations and road safety campaigners in telling MPs a stricter limit is needed.

All agreed that the move would require tough enforcement to reinforce it - raising questions about the impact of the public spending squeeze being enforced by the Government.

Mr Briggs was among experts giving evidence to the transport select committee about proposals to almost halve the drink-drive limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.

The measure, which would bring England into line with most of the rest of Europe, was recommended by an in-depth study commissioned by the previous Labour government.

Malta was the only other part of Europe with such a high limit and far fewer tests were carried out in the UK than other countries, the committee heard.

Despite evidence of significant public support, Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond is widely reported to be preparing to reject the proposals in Sir Peter North's report.

Mr Briggs told the committee that Acpo (Association of Chief Police Officers) backs a reduced limit as evidence shows it would cut accidents and save lives on the roads - but he was repeatedly pressed on the funding issue.

The senior officer also called for a zero tolerance approach to drug-driving - with anyone found behind the wheel having used illegal drugs guilty of an offence.

The need to show that the drug is impairing driving ability is impractical, he said.