‘Cut drink-drive limit to save lives’

One of the Government's top legal advisers defended his recommendations to cut the drink-drive limit after ministers signalled they would be rejected.

Sir Peter North said reducing the limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg would save hundreds of lives a year.

But Transport Secretary Philip Hammond is thought to oppose his plans, with allies saying he is minded to block the move as the "one pint and you're banned" rule would devastate the rural economy.

Sir Peter said: "I'm sure Mr Hammond should listen, I have told him quite clearly what he should do."

He spoke after giving evidence to the House of Commons Transport Committee which also heard from The Association of Chief Police Officers, which has long called for a lowering of the limit.

The AA, the RAC Foundation and road safety charity Brake also backed Sir Peter's plans.