A CAMPAIGNING mother has criticised Transport Minister Andrew Jones for refusing to lower the drink drive limit.

Michelle and Steve Bell’s daughter Jordan, 14, was killed after she was in collision with a speeding driver in Layer Road, Colchester, in 2008.

He was fined £750 and banned for one year for speeding and careless driving, but escaped prosecution for drink driving because he was just under the legal limit.

The couple have been campaigning for the limit to be lowered as medical evidence shows driving is already impaired at current levels.

Supported by the Gazette, they collected 3,000 names on a peti killed tion which they presented to the Government calling for the limit to be dropped from 80mgs in 100mls of blood to 50 mgs – in line with Scotland and much of Europe.

On Tuesday, Transport Minister Andrew Jones suggested the Government would look at lowering the limit if evidence from Scotland showed it made roads safer.

Gazette:

But yesterday he backtracked and said there was no plans to change the drink-drive limit and no review.

Drink drive offences fell in Scotland by 12 per cent following the change in its law. The RAC Foundation estimates the change would save 25 lives in England each year.

A lower limit is also backed by the AA.

Gary Rae, spokesman for road safety charity Brake, added: “Early indications show a clear reduction in offences in Scotland which can only make our roads safer and mean fewer devastating preventable deaths and injuries.”

Mrs Bell said: “Deaths on the road have increased. He says people have the choice and freedom.

Ask a mum who has lost a child.

What freedom did she have?

“It is absolutely ludicrous. I can’t understand why we won’t lower it.

“The evidence is there. It saves lives.”