The UK government is set to unveil a major new road safety blueprint this week, with proposals that could see drivers over 70 face mandatory eye examinations and all motorists subject to stricter drink-driving rules.
Core Proposals for Safer Roads
According to reports, ministers will launch a consultation on several key measures as part of the first comprehensive road safety strategy in over a decade. The central ambition is to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads by 65 per cent by the year 2035. For children under 16, the target is even more ambitious, aiming for a 70 per cent reduction.
The strategy, due for publication on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, responds to concerning statistics. In 2024, nearly a quarter (24%) of all car drivers killed were aged 70 or older. Furthermore, 12 per cent of all casualties in car collisions involved older drivers.
Focus on Older Drivers and Alcohol
To address risks associated with an ageing population, the government is considering introducing compulsory eye tests for drivers once they reach 70. Cognitive assessments are also under review. However, officials stress the need to balance safety with personal freedom.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood stated: "We know driving can be very important for older people’s wellbeing and help them to live independently, but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads." She added that the plans aim to "preserve personal freedoms where possible with action to save lives."
In a parallel move, the government is reportedly looking at tightening the legal alcohol limit for drivers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The proposal would lower the limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms. This would bring it in line with Scotland and mean that even a single pint of beer could put a driver over the legal limit.
Broader Penalties and Industry Response
The road safety strategy extends beyond testing. It is expected to introduce tougher penalties for uninsured drivers, with the upfront fine potentially doubling to £600 to ensure it is significantly higher than average insurance premiums. There may also be plans to issue penalty points to those caught not wearing a seatbelt, a first for this offence.
Edmund King, President of the AA, welcomed the focus on older drivers' eyesight. "A move to make eye tests for older drivers mandatory is obviously welcome," he said, noting that crash likelihood increases markedly after age 80. He also pointed out that eye tests are already free for the over-60s and recommended every two years.
With these wide-ranging proposals, the government signals its most significant intervention in road safety for years, aiming to dramatically reduce tragic losses on UK roads in the coming decade.
