Reducing the blood alcohol limit for drivers to .02 has the backing of North East road safety officer Robert Allen and other police, including Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Martin Boorman.

Mr Allen argues a lower limit would encourage drivers to think twice about having a drink before they get behind the wheel, while Insp Boorman says there is a growing social stigma against drink driving that would support the move.

Mr Allen says the proposal is an initiative with the potential to further reduce the road toll.

And the member for Benambra and former policeman, Bill Tilley, says he will consider the debate if “robust” research into the proposal is undertaken.

Mr Tilley says it must be determined whether .02 would reduce crashes on state roads and that addressing speed, drug use and the state of our roads were also important.

The Victorian Premier, Denis Napthine, says the proposal would hurt the hospitality sector, while his Labor opponent Daniel Andrews says the government would do better to addressing a loophole allowing those who blow .07 to keep their licence.