A SURVEY which shows half of the UK population would favour a lower drink-driving threshold for young drivers has been backed by East Lancashire experts.

Research by insurance firm Direct Line said 50 per cent of people wanted to see the legal limit for alcohol in 100ml of blood reduced from the current 80mg.

The East Lancashire Institute of Advanced Motorists said it would like to see such a proposal ‘considered seriously’ by the government.

The tiered system would see lower limits imposed on young and novice drivers. In Scotland, the limit is already lower, at 50mg.

In 2006, the Lancashire Telegraph launched its Wasted Lives campaign for a tougher driving test regime and graduated licence scheme for young drivers after the death of Matthew Hannon in Blackburn.

The 22-year-old had not been drinking when he crashed while speeding.

Allan Whipp, course co-ordinator for the ELIAM, said: “The answer is undoubtedly yes. A reduction would definitely be a good thing.

“We would be absolutely in favour of it for younger drivers. They haven’t got sufficient maturity on the roads and they are more liable to give in to peer pressure.

“We hear it quite a lot about how if there are a lot of lads in a car, and one or two open a bottle, then it’s difficult for the driver to resist and concentrate.

“I would like to see such a change considered seriously by the powers that be. I don’t think a zero-tolerance approach would work though.”

According to Direct Line’s study, 36 per cent of British people think the drink drive limit for all drivers – regardless of age or experience – should be zero, which is currently the case in countries such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Gus Park, director of motor at Direct Line, said: “England, Wales and Northern Ireland boast one of the most permissive driver blood alcohol concentration limits in Europe, but there is widespread popular support for lowering this, especially for novice motorists.

“ “The fact the majority of people aged 18 to 34 support a zero-tolerance approach to drink-driving, or lower limits for less experienced drivers, demonstrates a commitment by the younger generation for tighter restrictions.”