Wider backing for SNP breath-test bid

SNP calls for the police to have the power to carry out random breath-tests has received tentative cross-party support.

Labour justice spokesman Lewis Macdonald said he was “not, in principle” opposed to the UK Government devolving the powers north, but the emphasis should be on using the powers currently available to Scotland. Under the Scotland Act, Holyrood was given power to set the drink-drive limit. The Scottish Government is proposing to reduce the limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg and is consulting on the proposal.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill told MSPs yesterday the act was a “missed opportunity”. He wants Scotland to have the power to breathalyse drivers “anytime, anywhere” and to impose lower limits for young and novice drivers.

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