'NOBODY can say how much is too much - so we must change the drink-drive limit,' Dorset's police and crime commissioner has warned.

Martyn Underhill, who is calling for residents to have their say on the limit as part of a public consultation, said more than a quarter of fatal crashes on Dorset roads this year involved a motorist driving under the influence.

The number of road deaths already recorded in the county this year is higher than the total of fatalities last year, Mr Underhill said.

In England and Wales, the alcohol limit for drivers is 80 milligrams of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of blood in the body.

"This is the most generous legal drink drive threshold in Europe," Mr Underhill said.

"Earlier this year, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport to formally express my concerns about the impact this has on motorists’ behaviour.

"As I anticipated, the dismissive response I received stated that there are no plans to review the current limit.

"Although lobbying from various quarters has failed to gain traction in government, I remain strongly convinced that we should not underestimate the impact that the current limit has on road safety."

He said the current threshold is "excessively generous".

"Drivers are left to guess at how much alcohol is acceptable and whether a half pint more will send them over the limit. Nobody can conclusively say how much is too much," he said.

Admitting a zero milligram limit is "not feasible" as some foods and mouthwashes contain small amounts of alcohol, Mr Underhill said the low limit seen in some European countries goes some way to achieving the same effect.

"A limit where one drink could cost you your licence sends the right message. It would more effectively deter motorists from drinking at all before getting behind the wheel," he said.

"If you know that you are allowed to drink something, the possibility of losing control of how much you drink and consequently your ability to drive safely is very real.

"People take chances when there is the option to do so. We know that any blood alcohol content will affect the way that you drive. Be it through lack of attention, speed of reaction or just increased bravado, permitting drinking before driving creates risk.

"Every one of the road deaths involving alcohol in Dorset this year was needless. Making the selfish choice to drive while under the influence has the potential to devastate families."

He has urged residents to have their say by taking part in a public consultation. For more information, or to participate, visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/6TQ33FR