A new drink driving law introduced in Scotland, on 05 December 2014, has led to a 19% fall in the number of drink driving cases, according to the latest figures.

In Scotland, the legal limit for driving was lowered from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg per 100ml in December last year.

Following the introduction of the new limit, 351 drivers were found to be over the limit during the Christmas and New Year period, down from 434 during the same period the previous year.

According to a survey from road safety charity, Brake, around three quarters of UK drivers want to see a lower drink drive limit introduced across the UK. Of those surveyed, 43% said the UK should introduce a zero-tolerance drink drive limit (20mg/100ml). Around 95% also agreed that there should be tougher measures in place for repeat offenders.

England’s drink drive limit is currently 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. During 2012, there were 230 deaths caused by drink driving – representing 13% of all road fatalities.

David Robinson, a serious injury solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors who specialises in road traffic accidents, said: “The response in Scotland suggests that by lowering the drink drive limit, drivers are more cautious of the amount of alcohol they consume before getting behind the wheel.

“England’s drink drive limit is outdated especially when compared with other European countries, many of which carry a zero-tolerance drink drive limit.

“Suggesting that it is safe to drive after drinking any quantity of alcohol is dangerous and confusing. Brake’s survey shows that the majority of the public agrees. A zero tolerance law would prevent any confusion for drivers and ultimately help to prevent avoidable serious injuries and deaths that occur as a direct result of driving under the influence of alcohol.”