The UK government is set to unveil its most significant road safety reforms in decades, with plans to introduce compulsory eye tests for drivers over 70 and lower the legal drink-drive limit in England.
Vision Checks and Cognitive Assessments for Older Motorists
Under the proposed new rules, drivers aged 70 and above will be required to undergo a professional eye examination every three years. This move ends the current system of self-reporting vision problems to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), a method heavily criticised in coroners' reports.
A report last year highlighted a 70% collapse in self-reporting for major eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts between 2019 and 2023. Officials believe mandatory checks will improve safety without unduly restricting the freedom of older drivers. While cognitive tests are also under consideration, they are not part of the immediate consultation pending further research into suitable methods.
AA President Edmund King welcomed the focus on eyesight, noting crash likelihood increases after age 70 and peaks at 86. "Eye tests are free for people over 60," he added, "and healthcare professionals advise them every two years."
Stricter Limits on Drink and Drug Driving
In a bid to tackle rising drink-drive fatalities, the strategy proposes aligning England and Wales with Scotland by reducing the alcohol limit from 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms. This change means a single pint of beer could put drivers over the legal limit.
The number of deaths in drink-driving incidents reached a 13-year high in 2022. To combat drug-driving, police may be empowered to use quicker saliva tests instead of blood tests to streamline prosecutions. Furthermore, fines for uninsured drivers are set to be doubled.
Broader Strategy to Cut Road Deaths
The comprehensive strategy, due for publication, sets ambitious targets: a 65% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2035, and a 70% reduction for children under 16. In 2024, 1,633 people were killed and nearly 28,000 seriously injured on British roads.
Statistics reveal that 24% of all car drivers killed in 2024 were aged 70 or older, and older drivers were involved in 12% of all car collision casualties. The government has, however, decided against introducing restrictions on new drivers carrying peer-age passengers for six months after passing their test.
A Labour source criticised the record of successive Conservative governments, stating: "In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2billion per year."
