ENGLAND’S most northerly police force has issued a drink driving warning after changes to the law in Scotland.

As of December 5, the Scottish drink drive threshold dropped to 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, while in England it remains 80mg.

Drivers are being warned that, while they may be under the limit in England, they could face arrest if they cross the border and are breathalysed.

Northumbria Police Chief Inspector John Heckels said: "Although the limit may have changed north of the border our message remains the same, don't drink at all if you are going to be driving.

"It's not worth taking the risk.

Drinking any amount of alcohol can affect your judgement and decision making, and if those decisions are made behind the wheel of a car they can have fatal consequences.

"The excuse that you were legal on the Northumbria side of the line won't be accepted by our colleagues in Police Scotland and anyone found over the limit in Scotland will be prosecuted."

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins said: "Far too many people die or are injured each year on Scotland's roads as a result of drink-driving and the irresponsible disregard shown by drink drivers for not only their own safety but that of other road users and pedestrians.

“Evidence from across Europe, where the lower limit already applies, suggests we will see reductions in drink driving and a corresponding increase in lives saved.

Since December 1 Northumbria Police has been running its own month-long winter crackdown on drink driving.

All drivers involved in collisions during December will be breath tested, as well as those who have committed a moving road traffic offence such as speeding and people suspected of drink driving or attempting to drive after consuming alcohol.