02/07/2012

New Scotland Act Powers Transferred

New powers to set drink drive and speed limits along with the control of airguns will be transferred to the Scottish Parliament this week.

The Scottish Government will consult in the coming weeks on proposed changes to drink drive limits.

Over the summer, Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill will also chair a meeting of the Scottish Firearms Consultative Panel, established to develop plans for firearms reform in Scotland.

Welcoming the new powers Cabinet Secretary for Government Strategy Bruce Crawford said:

“We welcome additional responsibilities for the Scottish Parliament and are moving quickly to make use of the new powers we will gain next week to benefit the people of Scotland.

“On speed limits, these powers will enable the Scottish Government to make the right decisions for Scottish roads rather than have any changes imposed by Westminster. Road safety is our first priority and we have no current plans to increase speed limits.

“Work is already underway on airguns reform through the work of the Scottish Firearms Consultative Panel. Another meeting will be chaired by Mr MacAskill over the summer. And a consultation will begin in the coming weeks on proposed changes to drink drive limits.”

(GK)

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