In a report that was originally commissioned by the former Labour transport secretary Lord Adonis, and was delivered to the new transport secretary Philip Hammond last month, it is expected that Sir Peter North will recommend that the drink-drive limit be reduced from 80mg to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.  The equivalent of one small glass of wine or a small beer.

The report has considered the likely impacts of any changes on driver behaviour for both alcohol and drugs.  It is believed that as well as the reduction in the drink-drive limit the report will recommend: random breath testing; novice drivers having a drink-drive limit of 20mg; the removal of the right for motorists to request a second breathalyser test at the police station.

Earlier on this year Lord Adonis was quoted as saying he believed that Sir Peter would recommend a change in the drink-drive laws.  The shadow transport secretary at the time, Theresa Villiers, was quoted as saying that she was not convinced a change would be justified.  It is thought that the new Government is wary of changing the law, even though much of Europe has the same limit.

For more on this story - The Independent 16/06/10
                                   The Independent 17/06/10