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Written question asked by Roz Savage (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 February 2026. It was answered by Lilian Greenwood (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Driving under Influence: Rural Areas

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of reducing the drink-drive limit from 80mg to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood on rural pubs and communities; and if she will publish a full impact assessment, including evidence from Scotland, before bringing forward legislative changes.

Answer

The Government is consulting on proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences, as part of the recently published Road Safety Strategy.

As part of this, the Government is consulting on the general principle of lowering drink drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967 and is currently the highest in Europe.

Current evidence does not suggest a widespread or sustained adverse impact on the hospitality sector overall.

The Government will consider potential impacts on rural pubs and communities as part of its analysis of consultation responses.

The Government will conduct an impact assessment following consultation responses and an evidence‑led options analysis, and will publish it in line with usual practice where required.

The consultation is seeking views on a range of measures to reduce drink-driving, including options such as alcohol ignition interlocks (“alcolocks”) for offenders and powers to suspend licences for suspected drink or drug drivers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112502
Session
2024-26
Related items
Deposited Paper DEP2026-0008
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects
Driving under influence Public houses Rural areas Regulation Impact assessments
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk