UK Government Proposes Stricter Road Safety Measures Including Mandatory Eye Tests for Older Drivers
Published 10 August 2025
Highlights
- The UK government plans to introduce mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 as part of a new road safety strategy.
- The drink-drive limit in England and Wales may be reduced to align with Scotland's stricter standards.
- The strategy aims to address the high number of road deaths and injuries, which have remained constant in recent years.
- Proposals include tougher penalties for uninsured drivers and those not wearing seatbelts.
- The strategy, set for autumn release, will undergo public consultation before implementation.
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Rewritten Article
UK Government Proposes Stricter Road Safety Measures Including Mandatory Eye Tests for Older Drivers
In a bid to enhance road safety across England and Wales, the UK government is considering a series of stringent measures, including mandatory eye tests for drivers over the age of 70. This initiative is part of a comprehensive road safety strategy expected to be unveiled in the autumn.
Addressing Road Safety Concerns
The proposed changes come amid growing concerns over the persistently high number of road fatalities and serious injuries. Last year alone, 1,633 people lost their lives, and nearly 28,000 were seriously injured in traffic incidents. These figures have remained relatively unchanged since a significant decline between 2000 and 2010, prompting calls for more effective safety measures.
Eye Tests and Drink-Drive Limit Adjustments
Under the new proposals, drivers over 70 would be required to undergo eye tests every three years when renewing their licenses. This move follows an inquest into several deaths caused by drivers with impaired vision, highlighting the UK's reliance on self-reporting of visual conditions. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is also considering lowering the drink-drive limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms, aligning with Scotland's standards.
Additional Safety Measures
The strategy also includes potential penalties for uninsured drivers and those failing to wear seatbelts. Furthermore, the government is exploring the use of roadside saliva tests for drug-driving offenses, which could streamline prosecutions by eliminating the need for blood tests.
Government Commitment to Road Safety
A Labour government source emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, "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." The strategy will be subject to public consultation before any changes are implemented.
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Scenario Analysis
If implemented, these measures could significantly reduce road fatalities and injuries, aligning the UK with stricter European standards. The mandatory eye tests for older drivers may face resistance from some quarters, but they are likely to be supported by safety advocates. Lowering the drink-drive limit could also lead to a decrease in alcohol-related incidents, although it may require a robust public awareness campaign to ensure compliance. As the strategy undergoes consultation, it will be crucial for the government to balance public opinion with the need for enhanced road safety.
In a bid to enhance road safety across England and Wales, the UK government is considering a series of stringent measures, including mandatory eye tests for drivers over the age of 70. This initiative is part of a comprehensive road safety strategy expected to be unveiled in the autumn.
Addressing Road Safety Concerns
The proposed changes come amid growing concerns over the persistently high number of road fatalities and serious injuries. Last year alone, 1,633 people lost their lives, and nearly 28,000 were seriously injured in traffic incidents. These figures have remained relatively unchanged since a significant decline between 2000 and 2010, prompting calls for more effective safety measures.
Eye Tests and Drink-Drive Limit Adjustments
Under the new proposals, drivers over 70 would be required to undergo eye tests every three years when renewing their licenses. This move follows an inquest into several deaths caused by drivers with impaired vision, highlighting the UK's reliance on self-reporting of visual conditions. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is also considering lowering the drink-drive limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms, aligning with Scotland's standards.
Additional Safety Measures
The strategy also includes potential penalties for uninsured drivers and those failing to wear seatbelts. Furthermore, the government is exploring the use of roadside saliva tests for drug-driving offenses, which could streamline prosecutions by eliminating the need for blood tests.
Government Commitment to Road Safety
A Labour government source emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, "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." The strategy will be subject to public consultation before any changes are implemented.
What this might mean
If implemented, these measures could significantly reduce road fatalities and injuries, aligning the UK with stricter European standards. The mandatory eye tests for older drivers may face resistance from some quarters, but they are likely to be supported by safety advocates. Lowering the drink-drive limit could also lead to a decrease in alcohol-related incidents, although it may require a robust public awareness campaign to ensure compliance. As the strategy undergoes consultation, it will be crucial for the government to balance public opinion with the need for enhanced road safety.
