In a matter of particular importance at this time of the year, Dave Thompson, Highlands & Islands MSP, has won a debate and vote at Holyrood on Tueday 18th December on the current drink driving limit.

One in nine road deaths in Scotland are alcohol related. Mr Thompson has been campaigning vigorously for some time to have the blood alcohol limit lowered from 80mg alcohol/100ml of blood to the European standard of 50mg/100ml and will be strongly supporting the motion in favour of such a reduction.

The debate follows First Minister’s Questions on 11th December when Alex Salmond supported moves to toughen up drink-drive laws by this specific reduction of the limit of alcohol a driver can consume. The First Minister also pointed to the UK Government’s recent consultation on road safety, flawed by failing to address the possibility of lowering the current limit.

Mr. Thompson says: ‘The First Minister and Scottish Government have made clear their support for lowering the limit and the UK Government must do the same. I hope and expect that the Parliament will support my campaign and vote for a reduction in the drink driving level.

‘In addition, we must all be vigilant at this festive time of year. It is all too easy to enjoy a few drinks without realising the consequences and the effect that alcohol has on our reflexes. We should never drink and drive. Our primary aim must always be to keep people safe’.