The government is being urged again to lower the legal blood-alcohol limit in England and Wales as latest research shows the majority of drivers would back a reduction.

Police carried out the first roadside breath test on 8 October 1967.

Published to mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the drink-drive law and the roadside breath test, the survey for the 2017 RAC Report on Motoring found six in 10 (59%) supported a reduction of the limit in England and Wales.

The current limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood has been in place since the law was introduced on 8 October 1967, despite Scotland having cut to 50mg in December 2014 while Northern Ireland is in the process of doing the same. 50mg per 100ml is also the legal limit in most of Europe.

RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: “Can we really afford not to follow the majority who operate a 50mg limit if there is even the slightest chance that it will lead to fewer lives being lost or ruined?”For more of the latest industry news, click here.