Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has praised the Scottish Justice Committee who have recommended that the Parliament approve an order which will reduce the drink driving limit, set to come into effect on December 5.

He has campaigned since 2007 to slash the drink driving limit from 80mg in every 100ml of blood to 50mg in every 100ml of blood.

Commenting on the news that The Scottish Government will indeed be lowering the drink driving limit to the suggested levels, Mr Thompson said,

“I wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill in 2007 asking for him to take action on this matter but due to this area not being devolved at that time he was unable to take the idea forward”.

“Following this I pressed the matter with the UK Government who eventually agreed to devolve the issue”.

“However, it is therefore encouraging that now the Scottish Government has the power; action is being taken in pursuance of this sensible policy

Dave went on,

“To have the idea come to fruition is excellent news and I would like to praise the Justice Committee on backing the proposal”.

He went further,

“Far too often accidents are related to drink driving, especially around the festive period, so the news that the new measures will come into effect prior to Christmas is an added bonus, as ultimately there will be fewer accidents and lives lost. Every life is precious, and if my campaigning results in just one life being saved, then it will have been worth it.

Notes:

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Prescribed Limit) (Scotland) Regulations 2014 will come into effect on December 5, 2014. The Order reduces the breath-alcohol limit from 35mcg/100ml breath to 22mcg/100ml breath.