The government is planning major changes to driving laws that could include lowering the drink-drive limit and mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70.
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said the proposals, due in autumn, represent the “biggest shake-up to our driving laws for decades.”
Key Proposed Changes
Eye Tests for Over-70s: Drivers over 70 could face mandatory eye tests every three years to renew their licenses, with driving bans for those who fail. The UK currently relies on self-reporting of vision problems, making it one of only three European countries with such a system.
Lower Drink-Drive Limit: Ministers are considering reducing the limit in England and Wales from 35 to 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, matching Scotland’s stricter standard.
Tougher Penalties: New measures could include penalty points for not wearing seatbelt and harsher punishments for driving without insurance. Police may also use saliva tests instead of blood tests for drug-driving cases.
The Problem
Last year, 1,633 people died and almost 28,000 were seriously injured on British roads. Drink-driving deaths have risen over the past decade, reaching a 13-year high in 2022.
Mixed Reactions
Support: Motoring groups called the plans “much overdue.” AA president Edmund King said: “The time has come for a bold and proactive approach to road safety.”
Opposition: Silver Voices director Dennis Reed criticized targeting over-70s, noting that only 10% of casualty accidents involve drivers over 70 – less than their percentage of the driving population. He called it “age discrimination” and “lazy policy making.”
The proposals will go through public consultation before implementation.
