MacAskill: Lower drink-drive limit 'about saving lives'

The drink-drive limit in Scotland could be reduced within weeks.

The Scottish government says it wants to cut the permitted level of alcohol in a driver's bloodstream to 50mg in every 100ml of blood, lower than the current level of 80mg.

If the plans are endorsed by the Scottish Parliament, drinking one glass of wine or a pint of beer would put people over the limit.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill says the experience in other countries is proof that a lower drink-drive limit does save lives: "The evidence from around the world is, actually, prosecutions go down, the law is clearer and, in the main, the overwhelming majority of citizens adhere to that."

The move would bring Scotland into line with most other European countries.