IAM calls for cut in drink drive limits

CALLS to reduce the UK drink driving limit have been issued by the Institute of Advanced Motorists following the release of damning data on booze-fuelled crashes.

The IAM expressed “disappointment” at the findings of the latest long term review of drinking and driving data issued by the government this morning, which shows a stagnation in progress since 2010.

Drinking and driving data from 1979 to 2014 shows there were an estimated 8,320 drink-drive casualties in 2014 in Britain, up from 8,270 in 2013.

This is the first increase in casualties since 2002.

More importantly, drink-drive related deaths have remained unchanged since 2010.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: "While good progress has been made over the years, we are very concerned that we may have reached a plateau and are not making much progress in further reducing alcohol related crashes.

"The new government has a great opportunity to set the agenda right at the start of the new administration and top of their list should be a consultation on reducing the drink drive limit in England and Wales to align with Scotland and most of the rest of Europe."