Scottish Ministers have approved a stricter drink-drive limit, lowering the legal level of alcohol from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.

The new law means some people will be over the limit after drinking just one pint of strong lager or a glass of wine and brings Scotland in line with Germany, France and Spain, where the limit is 50mg.

However, it could spell disaster for motorists in England and Wales who can currently drink the equivalent of a pint-and-a-half of beer and then legally get behind the wheel - but would be breaking the law in Scotland.

Under current laws, which apply to the whole of Britain, drink-drivers face a maximum sentence of six months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a 12-month ban.  The new limit could come into effect as soon as later this year.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: “The Scottish government has long called for a reduction to 50mg.  We strongly believe that reducing the limit will save lives. Evidence from across Europe shows that alcohol-related road deaths drop dramatically where the limit has been reduced.  Having secured the powers through the Scotland Bill, the Scottish government will bring forward proposals later this year, with a view to the change taking effect as soon as possible.”

The move comes just days after the Scottish Parliament passed a controversial law limiting the minimum price of alcohol to 50p per unit.  Under the new legislation, an attempt to tackle Scotland's historic alcohol abuse problems, a bottle of wine would cost at least £4.69 and a four-pack of lager at least £3.52.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon described the new legislation as a “historic moment”.  She told parliament: "Tackling alcohol misuse is one of the most important public health challenges that we face in Scotland."

NHS information about overcoming addiction can be found at: www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Addiction/Pages/addictionhome.aspx