Young driver zero booze limit calls

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Sir Liam Donaldson said that although the measure may prove unpopular, he believed it would reduce road deaths among young people.

In his annual report Sir Liam called for a new focus on the health issues facing teenagers. He highlighted six key factors threatening the well-being of young people: smoking, alcohol and drugs, accidents and violence, diet, physical activity and sexual health.

Transport accidents are the leading cause of death among 16 to 18-year-olds, and in 2005 drivers aged 17-19 had 1,080 drink-drive accidents.

Introducing a zero alcohol limit for young drivers would help reduce this figure... I'm aware that this is a controversial recommendation, but I believe it will save lives," he said.

His report pointed out that alcohol use increases the risk of a crash for a young driver two and a half times more than for an older driver.

An effective zero limit for young and novice drivers is in force in 14 European countries, as well as a number of Canadian provinces and Australian states.

The Liberal Democrats gave a cool response to the call. Their transport spokesman, Norman Baker, said: "There is a real argument to lower the drink-driving limit for all motorists to 50mg, in line with many European countries.

"But a zero limit risks criminalising those whose driving is not impaired.

"Young drivers could face legal problems because they have had a couple of drinks the night before or used alcohol in cooking. The answer is a lower limit for all drivers."