Justice Committee backs drink-drive change – with awareness campaign
The public must be fully informed and prepared for the new lower drink driving limits that come into force next month, MSPs have warned.
Holyrood's Justice Committee has published its report on the regulations that lower the permitted blood alcohol level from 80 to 50 mg in 100ml, and breath alcohol from 35 to 22 mcg in 100 ml, which will take effect from 5 December 2014 if the full Parliament approves the report.
After hearing evidence from police and health experts as well as a road safety campaigner and the Justice Secretary, committee members unanimously supported the change.
Convener Christine Grahame said: "We welcome a zero tolerance approach to drink driving. But for the change in the law to be effective we need to make sure that the public are fully informed that the change is coming soon, and of the implications of this change.
“We have been assured by the Justice Secretary that a comprehensive information and education programme is in place and we look forward to seeing a high level of public awareness over the coming weeks.
“In particular, with the festive season approaching and people on either side of the border visiting friends and families on the other side, we welcome the thought given to such cross-border issues by the Scottish Government when preparing its publicity campaign.”