NI drink drive limit 'may be cut'

Northern Ireland's drink-drive limit may be reduced

Northern Ireland's drink-drive limit could be set at a lower level than the rest of the UK, Environment Minister Arlene Foster has said.

Ms Foster told the assembly her department was "actively" looking into reducing the legal limit.

"I, personally, am in favour of lowering the limit," she said.

Last year almost 1,500 motorists were caught drink-driving on Northern Ireland's roads. Almost 1,000 people have been apprehended so far this year.

The current legal limit in the UK is set at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

Exceeding the limit is punishable by a mandatory minimum one year driving disqualification, plus a fine of up to £5,000.

It also carries a possible maximum prison sentence of six months.