He made the comments after writing to UK Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly to request the changes as the relevant policy is reserved. MacAskill has previously called for the Scottish Parliament to be given the power to legislate over such matters.  

Research published today by the Government shows that many people believe drink driving is acceptable because there is a legal limit and are confused as to how much they can safely drink to stay under that limit. 

The move is supported by the British Medical Association and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland. 

MacAskill said: 

“Scotland's roads have changed a great deal since the drink driving limit was set - we have faster cars, more people driving and more motorways. We also know much more about the affect even a small amount of alcohol can have on ability to drive. The current limit simply leaves too much room for confusion and sends out the wrong message. People think they can have a couple of pints, but two large glasses of wine or pints of strong lager could be more than enough to take you over the limit.

“That's why we need to have a lower limit, one that sends out a clear message that driving after you've had a drink isn't acceptable - it's dangerous. This change would also bring us into line with the rest of Europe. So I have written to Ruth Kelly and asked her to reduce the limit and bring in random breath testing. The police do a great job, however random breath testing would help them catch more people, increase the risk of getting caught and providing a greater deterrent to people who are considering drink driving.”