UK government considering stricter road safety measures
Older drivers could face mandatory eye tests and the drink-drive limit could be cut under plans being considered by the UK Government to reduce road deaths.
The measures are expected to form part of a road safety strategy due for publication in the autumn.
Ministers are also reportedly looking at tougher penalties for uninsured drivers and for failing to wear a seatbelt.
The proposals come amid concern over the number of people killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads.
Department for Transport data shows that in 2023, 1,633 people were killed and almost 28,000 were seriously injured.
Numbers have remained relatively stable since 2010 after a sharp fall in the previous decade.
Speaking to The Guardian, which first reported the remarks, a Labour source said: “At the end of the last Labour government, the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads was at a record low, but numbers have remained stubbornly high under successive Conservative governments. In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2bn a year.”
The Times has reported that Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is considering lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms, matching the limit in Scotland and most of Europe.
The UK is also one of only three European countries that relies on drivers to self-report eyesight conditions affecting their ability to drive. Proposals being discussed include compulsory eye tests every three years for drivers aged over 70, with a driving ban for those who fail.
Director of Policy and Standards for raod safety charuty IAM RoadSmart, Nicholas Lyes said: “Given progress on reducing fatal and serious collisions has stalled in recent years, we welcome the UK Government’s ambition to publish an updated road safety strategy with the reported measures being a step in the right direction. While many drivers over the age of 70 are safe and competent, health issues and confidence can have an impact on driving abilities, so it is sensible to review whether changes need to be made. We would also support reducing the drink drive limit in England and Wales alongside measures to target drug driving, however these would require significantly more backing for roads policing teams to effectively enforce new laws.”
Other proposals reportedly under consideration include allowing police to prosecute drug-driving offences based on roadside saliva tests, without the need for a follow-up blood test.
The Labour source told The Guardian: “This Labour government will deliver the first road safety strategy in a decade, imposing tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads.”
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “We look forward to seeing the detail of the Government’s forthcoming road safety strategy as too many lives are being lost on our roads every year. More clearly needs to be done to change that. Government data for Scotland suggests merely reducing the legal drink-drive limit isn’t enough. A significant number of drink-drive offences are committed by reoffenders, so tackling the risk associated with habitual drink-drivers is crucial. Motorists we’ve surveyed are supportive of repeat offenders having alcolocks fitted to their vehicles to stop them driving over the limit. Greater scope for the police to deal with drug-drivers more quickly would also be very welcome.”
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
