UK - Government Consultation on Road Safety

The Government is currently consulting on a range of road safety measures, including changes to the drink-drive limit and enforcement methods.

The consultation document, launched on 20th November, proposes a range of measures aimed at improving road safety, including several relating to drink driving, for example regarding the use of targeted checkpoint testing for drink driver; and the statutory right to a blood or urine test as an alternative to a breath test?

Commenting on the launch of consultation published BMA Head of Science and Ethics, Dr Vivienne Nathanson said: "There are a number of sensible ideas in this consultation which if adopted will help improve the nation's road safety.It is particularly encouraging that the Government intends to investigate the impact of drugs on driving, as well as initiate a major awareness campaign on the issue.

“Research suggests that illicit drugs contribute significantly to road accidents in this country. It is vital that the public is educated about the dangers of drug driving and that the police are given more support, both in training and resources, so that they can tackle this dangerous issue.