CALLS from the Police Federation to lower the drink-drive limit, amid concerns that women motorists are not getting the message about the issue, have been welcomed in West Yorkshire.

The topic is being discussed at the Federation's annual conference, which started yesterday, and is being attended by representatives of West Yorkshire Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers.

Nick Smart, the West Yorkshire Police Federation's chairman, said: "Drink driving is a concern for society. It is particularly disturbing to see female drivers conviction rates go up from nine per cent in 1998 to 17 per cent in 2012. It is clear that attitudes to drive driving particularly amongst female drivers needs to change.

"Equally important is the need to have traffic officers out on the ground. In West Yorkshire Police we have number of traffic officers reduced, which means greater areas and tasks to cover. Cuts do have consequences."

Chief Inspector Victoria Martin said the Federation wanted the drink-drive limit lowered from 80 milogrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood to 50 milogrammes, in line with Scotland, where there has been a marked reduction in failed breath tests since the law was changed last year.

New research also shows that nearly one in six women admitted to driving when they thought they were over the limit, and many were unaware how much alcohol would put them over the limit.

Chief Inspector Martin said: "We've seen a steep decline in men drink-driving over the years, but women don't seem to be getting the same message.

"We have a worrying trend, with females still flouting the drink drive limit, sometimes scarily unaware, putting themselves and others in danger.

"We would like to see a lower drink-drive limit. We would like to see road safety back on the agenda."

James McLoughlin of the Brighouse-based road safety charity Brake said: "We agree with the Police Federation that the UK drink drive limit - one of the highest in Europe - needs to be lowered, ultimately to an effective zero-tolerance limit of 20mg alcohol per 100ml blood.

"This would make it clear to all drivers that even small amounts of alcohol affect your ability to drive safely, and end the widespread confusion over how much you can drink and stay under the limit. The answer would be simple - not a drop. This would help put a stop to the hundreds of deaths and serious injuries caused by drink-drivers every year.

"Statistically, men and young drivers remain the most at-risk groups for drink-driving, with twice as many men admitting it as women. However, it is important we don’t take our eye off the ball when it comes to women drinkers. We urge all drivers not to drink before getting behind the wheel."

Kevin Clinton, of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said it was pleased to see the Police Federation taking up the cause.