Motorists south of border warned they could legally drive after having a drink in England but be over limit in Scotland

A stricter drink-drive limit has come into force in Scotland, prompting warnings that drivers in England who have one drink could be over the limit when they cross the border.

Holyrood’s justice secretary, Michael Matheson, said Scotland was leading the way in the UK as the reduced limit of 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood came into force.

While he said the change would save lives, drivers south of the border have been warned they could legally get behind the wheel after having a drink in England but be over the limit in Scotland.

The lower limit has been introduced in Scotland after Holyrood unanimously approved the move last month.

While the limit in the rest of the UK will remain at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, campaigners called on Westminster to take a tougher approach against drink-driving.

Road safety organisation Brake is calling for a limit of just 20mg to be brought in.

Brake’s deputy chief executive, Julie Townsend, said: “As a charity that supports bereaved and injured road crash victims, we witness the suffering that drink and drug-driving inflict, and appeal to everyone to help put a stop to it.

“Drink and drug-driving deaths and injuries are cruel and needless, ending and ruining lives and leaving traumatised families to pick up the pieces.

“If you’re driving home from celebrations this festive season, it’s vital you take your responsibility for people’s safety seriously, and stay completely off booze and drugs. It’s a fact that even small amounts of alcohol or drugs increase your risk of crashing.”

She added: “We welcome the new lower limit in Scotland as a positive stepping stone towards zero-tolerance. We are calling on the UK government to take action on drink-driving. We have the highest drink-drive limit in Europe, sending out the dreadful message that a drink or two before driving is acceptable. The evidence shows that a tough approach helps prevent casualties.”

Matheson said about 20 deaths a year in Scotland were a result of “people getting behind the wheel while over the legal limit”.

He said: “Scotland is leading the way across the UK. The new limit has backing from experts, road safety campaigners and the majority of the public north and south of the border.

“This change will bring Scotland into line with most of Europe. It’s not about criminalising drivers; it’s about making our roads safer and sending a clear message that even one alcoholic drink will affect the ability to drive. All the evidence from the Republic of Ireland shows reducing the limit means less [sic] convictions and lower blood alcohol counts.

“Today we are sending a clear message to drivers who continue to ignore the warnings that there is never an excuse to drink and drive.”

Police Scotland assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins said: “Far too many people die or are injured each year on Scotland’s roads as a result of drink-driving and the irresponsible disregard shown by drink-drivers for not only their own safety but that of other road users and pedestrians.

“Evidence from across Europe, where the lower limit already applies, suggests we will see reductions in drink-driving and a corresponding increase in lives saved.”

He told motorists: “There is no safe amount of alcohol in the body if you drive. Even at the new limit, you are three times more likely to die in a crash than if you had taken no alcohol.

“It is clear when it comes to drinking and driving that the simple ’the best advice is none’ message is the right one. If you are going out for a drink then leave the car at home.”

Almost eight in 10 (79%) Scottish motorists support the reduction, according to a new survey.

The RAC study also found that more than a third (38%) of UK motorists living outside Scotland believe the alcohol limit for driving should be reduced to the same level throughout the rest of Britain.

The study of 2,607 motorists – including 10% from Scotland – found almost a quarter (23%) of UK drivers would prefer to go a step further and have a total ban on consuming any alcohol before driving.

The AA president, Edmund King, said: “The different limits north and south of the border should not be a problem if drivers follow the mantra: If you are going to drive, don’t drink, and if you are going to drink, don’t drive. It is far too dangerous to try to judge how much you can safely drink whether the limit is 50mg or 80mg.”

Campaigners at Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems welcomed the reduction, with director Eric Carlin adding: “This is a measure we fully support that will save lives and increase safety on Scotland’s roads. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your ability to drive so if you’re going to be driving, it is safer not to drink at all.”