Car owners warned ‘do not drive at all’ ahead of | Tech News

Drivers planning a journey to the pub are being warned not to drive at all in the event that they intend to drink, because the Government prepares sweeping new street security reforms anticipated to return into power from 2026. As half of a main new street security strategy, the primary launched in more than a decade, ministers are contemplating tightening drink drive limits in England and Wales, alongside a package deal of harder enforcement measures aimed at chopping deaths and severe accidents on Britain’s roads.

The present legal breath alcohol restrict of 35 micrograms per 100ml, already the best in Europe alongside Malta, could possibly be diminished to 22 micrograms, bringing England and Wales into line with Scotland, which lowered its restrict in 2014. While the edge would not fall to zero, ministers say the message for motorists is evident. If you plan to drink, do not drive.

Transport minister Lilian Greenwood stated the most secure option for pub goers was to go away the car at home totally.

Asked whether or not drivers ought to keep away from alcohol altogether in the event that they intend to get behind the wheel, she instructed Sky News: “That’s probably the best advice. If you’re going to drive, don’t have a drink. If you want to have a drink, leave your car at home.”

The new strategy goals to scale back deaths and severe accidents on UK roads by 65 per cent by 2035, with an even more bold goal of 70 per cent for kids underneath 16.

Last 12 months alone, 260 people have been killed in drink-driving-related incidents, a determine Greenwood described as unacceptable.

“I’ve sat down with numerous families over the last 18 months, and they’re asking us to take action,” she stated.

Ministers insist the proposals are not about discouraging socialising or harming the pub commerce.

Speaking to Times Radio, Greenwood added: “We don’t want to stop people from going to the pub and having a great night out. What we’re just saying is don’t take your car.”

Alongside harder alcohol limits, the strategy proposes requiring some convicted drink drivers to put in alcohol interlock gadgets, generally known as alcolocks, which stop a vehicle from beginning except the motive force passes a breath take a look at.

Similar schemes already operate in nations together with Australia, Canada, Belgium and the United States.

Other measures underneath session embrace new powers to droop licences for drivers suspected of drink or drug driving, obligatory eyesight assessments for motorists aged 70 and over, a minimal studying period for new drivers, and stronger motion in opposition to uninsured automobiles and unlawful quantity plates.

The Department for Transport says 22 European nations have made larger progress than the UK in decreasing street deaths.

While fatalities have fallen sharply because the Seventies, enhancements have slowed over the previous decade. Road deaths dropped from 7,763 in 1972 to 1,850 in 2010 and 1,602 in 2024.