MPs launch inquiry into drink-driving law shake-up

Licensees have until the end of next month to have their say on plans to change the drink-driving laws, as part of an MP-led inquiry​.

The Transport committee is conducting a "short inquiry" into the drink and drug-driving laws, following a government-commissioned review of the laws by Sir Peter North.

North's report, published last month, recommended the drink-driving limit be cut from 80mg of alcohol per 100mls off blood to 50mg.

North estimates slashing the limit would save up to 168 lives in year one, and 303 by year six.

The government is currently considering the recommendations.

Some of the issues MPs will consider include:

• Should the permitted blood alcohol limit be reduced as proposed?

• If so, is the mandatory one year driving ban appropriate for less severe offenders, at the new (lower) level?

• What wider costs and benefits are likely to result from changes to drink and drug driving law?

• What would be the implications of such changes for enforcement?

Evidence should be emailed by August 31 to transev@parliament.uk