Top doctors in Wales are calling for the country to take the lead in a campaign to cut the legal drink-driving limit.
The British Medical Association Cymru is reportedly hoping that cross-party political and public support will persuade Westminster to lower the blood alcohol limit from 80mg/100ml to 50mg.
Dr Richard Lewis, the BMA’s Welsh secretary, apparently wants Wales to take a similar stand on drink-driving as it had on smoking in public places.
Wales took a tough approach to smoking and was the first to vote for a ban in enclosed public places in the UK.
Dr Lewis said: ‘Although the only safe option for drivers must be don’t drink then drive, having a 50mg limit is simpler for drinkers to understand.
‘The current level is complex – it is difficult for people to work out what they can drink, dependent on body size, gender, age and whether food is consumed.
‘One pub measure of alcohol is all that would be allowed and more people will comply with that as it would be easier to understand.
‘There is really no excuse for keeping the level at 80mg – nearly every country in Europe has a 50mg or lower limit and the UK needs to follow this lead.’
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