The Department of Infrastructure is conducting an online survey to gauge the level of support for a proposal to lower the drink-drive limit in the Isle of Man.
People can vote yes or no to the principle of reducing the maximum blood alcohol content for drivers to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. This is the level in place in Scotland and in many European countries.
The present drink-drive limit in the Isle of Man is 80mg per 100ml, which is the same as in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
People can register their views on the issue via the online survey which also outlines some of the medical research behind the proposal.
Consideration of the drink-drive limit is part of a wider public consultation on plans to modernise key elements of the Isle of Man’s road traffic laws. The Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2016 is aimed at improving road safety, simplifying processes and reducing bureaucracy.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘The Department has a completely open mind on the proposal to lower the alcohol limit for drivers. There is sufficiently strong evidence to indicate that lowering the maximum blood alcohol content does reduce the likelihood of drink-related road injuries and deaths. This is particularly evident among young drivers aged between 18 and 25. However, the Department also recognises that there are benefits to retaining the current limit and is mindful of the potential impact of the proposal on the hospitality sector.’
He added: ‘I would encourage people to let us know what they think. The online survey is very straightforward and, together with written responses to the public consultation, will provide a good indication of public sentiment. The Department will assess all the feedback before considering its next step.’
The deadline for submissions to the consultation on the Road Traffic Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2016 has been extended by one week to Friday 19 February.
In addition to responding via the online survey, people can email their views to Chris.Hannon@gov.im or post written submissions to Chris Hannon, Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal Buildings, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF.
