North drink-drive limit to be halved

The drink-drive limit in the North is to be almost halved for most drivers under the biggest shake-up in the law for 40 years.

Random breath testing will enforce the tough new limits.

At present many people can have at least one drink and drive.

The North's Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: “There is widespread public support for a step change in how we deal with drink drivers and I believe that what I am proposing will make a real difference.”

The blood alcohol limit will fall to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood for most drivers from 80mg. It will be 20mg for young or inexperienced motorists or those who drive for a living.

Over the last five years 75 people have been killed in the North and 473 seriously injured by drivers impaired by drink or drugs.

Mr Attwood added: “This is totally unacceptable and I am determined to do what I can to tackle this issue once and for all.”