'Cutting the drink-drive limit would send a clear message'

ANORTH East alcohol prevention programme has welcomed plans to reduce the drink-drive limit in England.

- By DAVID HUNTLEY

Balance says a reduction would “provide more clarity” for people considering drink-driving.

The change is being considered as part of a new road safety strategy, set to be published this autumn.

Deaths from drink-driving collisions are at their highest level since 2009, having increased by 16% from 2021 to 2022 and 32% since 2012.

Drink-driving incidents account for nearly one in five deaths on the roads.

Proposals are set to be published, amid concern about the number of people being killed or seriously injured on UK roads.

An independent survey of 1,392 North East adults in 2025 by Balance found 76% say alcohol is a big problem nationally, while 62% say alcohol is closely linked with road traffic accidents.

Ailsa Rutter OBE, director of Fresh and Balance, said: “Too many people are dying and being injured on our roads because of alcohol, and more and more lives are being wrecked.