Dave Thompson MSP

Powers 'to save lives' must be transferred without delay

Welcoming research which reveals four out of five people back a cut in  the drink-drive limit, Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Dave Thomson has called for the immediate transfer of powers to control drink driving and speed limits to be transferred to the Scottish Parliament – as recommended by the Calman Commission.

The Scottish Government-commissioned research found that 79% of those quizzed want to see the current drink-drive limit reduced from 80 mg per 100 ml of blood to 50 mg. Mr Thomson said: “These findings must sober minds at Westminster so that powers to cut the drink drive limits, and save lives, can be transferred to Scotland without further delay.

“There is a clear correlation between cutting the drink driving limit and cutting the numbers of road accidents. When the limit was cut in Switzerland, from 80mg to 50 mg, alcohol related road deaths fell by 44% in the first two years. That cannot be ignored.

“It is time to lower the drink driving limit, to bring Scotland into line with the rest of Europe and to take real action that saves lives.

“The Labour Government seem determined to push the transfer of powers into legislative long grass after a general election – and the Conservatives say they don’t want to act.

“All Scotland’s unionist parties supported the Calman Commission, and all say they support the recommendation to transfer powers on drink driving. So let’s get on with it.

“A transfer of powers now could see Scotland forge ahead to make our roads safer rather than leaving our lives in the hands of London legislation.”