Words and Photography: Nik Berg
The Government’s Road Safety Strategy proposals could make it harder for young drivers to get on the road and for older drivers to stay on it.
The plans are covered in five consultations, but they all have the same goal – to drive down the number of accidents on British roads.
“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities,” said transport secretary Heidi Alexander, when announcing the proposals. “For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence.”
Starting with learners, the Government would like to introduce a mandatory three to six-month gap between taking the driving theory test and the practical one. The thinking is that this time period would give learners the chance to experience a more varied set of conditions to better prepare them for life on the road. In reality, for many new drivers this type of gap between tests is already in place as the backlog for practical driving tests is currently 22 weeks.
More useful then, are ideas to introduce road safety education into the National Curriculum and to bring in a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter which would see drivers receiving ongoing education through their workplaces.
Young drivers remain those at highest risk, with 24 per cent of all road deaths and serious collisions occurring in the 17-24 age group
Moving to drivers aged over 70, who currently suffer almost 25 per cent of road deaths, the Government wants to introduce more stringent testing to ensure that they are physically fit to drive.
Under the existing system drivers are required to self-report should they suffer a loss of vision, but the new proposal could see mandatory sight tests every three years. There’s also an idea to bring in cognitive testing to asses attention, memory and problem-solving abilities.
Punishment for driving offences could also be toughened up if the plans get approved. Failing to wear a seatbelt could see points added to your licence as well as a fine, with the driver of the car being responsible for all occupants. Penalty points for driving without insurance would be doubled (from three to six points), with fines also going up. New penalties would be brought in for drivers caught using ghost number plates which can’t be captured on camera.
Speed limits could be further reduced as local authorities would be given more control over their own roads. At the moment councils have to provide evidence of accidents before applying to have a lower speed limit brought in, but that could be scrapped. The number of red light and speed cameras could also go up if the current rules are relaxed.
Drink driving is another target. In England and Wales the drink drive limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, which is higher than any other country in Europe. The level was set back in 1967, but the Government would like to match Scotland’s limit of 50mg, with new drivers given a strict zero limit. To enforce the rules the Government proposes “new powers to suspend driving licences for those suspected of drink or drug driving offences.”
Previous offenders may also be required to have US-style alcohol interlock devices fitted to their cars when returning from a driving ban.
Of all the proposals which form part of the consultation the drink-driving changes are most likely to be supported by road users. A 2025 survey by the RAC revealed that 82 per cent of drivers were in favour of tougher regulations. Government stats show that in 2023 one sixth of road deaths involved drink driving and that the numbers had actually risen by seven per cent in the last ten years.
All of these plans will be subject to consultation before they can be introduced.
What do you think would be the most effective way to make Britain’s roads safer? Drop your thoughts on the Government’s Road Safety Strategy proposals, below.
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I’m a driver over 70 with grandchildren approaching 17 and it all seems very sensible to me. Sadly, it won’t stop the rogue drivers and riders.
Drivers who have just passed their test should be restricted to driving 1.4 litre cars maximum ,instead of jumping into large engine sports cars as many do. This scheme has applied to motorcyclists since I can remember.
I think the priority should be enforcing our existing laws. Pretty much every time I am out driving – and often just walking or on the bus – I see aggressive and dangerous driving and fairly often I see driving that I would describe as utterly reckless and could easily lead to a serious accident. I can pretty much guarantee you would see examples if you drove on the north circular road in London any Friday or Saturday evening/night and I am sure people will know of other cities which have similar roads.
I would have a scheme where anyone can submit dashcam footage of such driving and this results in a conviction and fine, then whoever submitted the footage gets a reward- maybe something like 10% of the fine. A similar approach should be taken to footage from public service vehicles like buses or refuse trucks.
I am sure over 90% of drivers are safe and responsible, it is the minority that make the roads risky and the reasonable drivers can feel aggravated by seeing such reckless and aggressive driving.
I am not opposed to any of the proposed changes but I think adding more laws actually detracts from the business of enforcing existing laws, which if they were obeyed would make the roads safer.
As a driver in my 60s, I would have no problem with a mandatory test to check that my eyes are fit to drive, once I’m past 70. Similarly, measures that protect young, new drivers from their natural enthusiasm would prevent more families suffering the tragedy of loss. One thing I would love is to allow drivers to use a greater measure of their own common sense, rather than enforcing 20mph limits all over the place – I spend too much time checking my instrumentation and trying to read a plethora of road furniture as opposed to actually looking at where I’m going.
This is, again, a plaster on a gaping wound ! If they REALLY want to make a difference how about dealing with the road surfaces, cleaning road signs to make them actually visible, cutting back vegetation that obscures signage for the same reason, replacing missing road markings, replacing catseyes that are essential for nighttime driving on dark country roads, retiming traffic lights to leave a few seconds before the next sequence comes in to play, and seriously looking at modern headlight design ! Speed doesn’t kill by itself – many of the above problems add to what might be considered “bad driving”, but bad road conditions are equally culpable.
Technology! Gadgetising of cars etc, you were more engaged with the driving experience when you had to manage your own wipers, high beams, gears ie brain was more active.
I live in Mansfield and locally to me a man on his motorcycle didn’t see a deep pothole, came off his motorcycle and is paralysed from his neck down and just last week a elderly lady was crossing the road and her walking frame went down a pothole see did not see. She broke here leg damaged her hip replacement they were going to operate but see die in hospital.
Traffic lights already have an annoying delay.
All your other points are very important however!
The broad principle is good. The detail is more about control. The statistics for older drivers show they have and cause fewer deaths on our roads than young male drivers by a significant factor. Worth watching Grey Matter on YouTube for actual figures.
Local authorities have now shown that they consult on issues like low speed and LTN but then ignore the fast number of objections. So it’s control of the move of the population.
Eyesight tests should apply to all drivers not just older drivers. This is a real safety matter. As for cognitive tests, how will these be done and what are they and the criteria for people passing the standard? And should these standards not apply to all drivers, or is this start of taking people off the roads? I fear for our future in a country that puts in more and more controls to restrict our mobility.
I totally agree with all of the above,I also think that your drivers should be restricted in the size of engine they can drive i.e first year 1000 cc, second 1100, third year 1600, 4year 2000, this would also apply to older drives i.e 20 year olds etc. Unfortunately think insurance companies are at fault by insuring young drivers in high powered vehicles. I have two son’s both passed first time, however one I would be fully confident to be driven all day by, the other I never feel confident with even on a short trip. Both now have their own families BASICALLY it’s their attitude, where taught by the same instructor, I could give you the reasons between the two but it would be too lengthy to continue, contact me if you require the full details.
Increase the speed limit on motorways to 80mph in line with most of Europe. Penalise under taking and lane hogging, it’s not difficult the cameras are there already.
I totally agree with Andrew Gill-particularly re modern headlamps.
The speed Taliban are already displaying their lack of intelligence regarding town limits. 20mph increases wear and tear AND crucially pollution! In my town if you can actually get to 20mph you’re very lucky – as the incompetent council have already changed routes, with the declared intent of slowing traffic – which has resulted in long delays and pollution! Cars are easy targets for moron legislators.
I live in the Highlands, here, the biggest cause of accidents are tourists driving on the wrong side of the road. Maybe the government should look at restricting who is eligible to drive when foreign drivers hire a car.
Again this is a government confusing activity with action. Being seen to do something that does not need attention while ignoring the issues that matter to the population. A major contribution to road safety would be mending the deplorable state of the roads! But wait…..you can’t fine people and raise money doing that!
Introducing additional reasons to fine motorists is an income generator.
Road deaths account for roughly a day’s toll of all deaths from all causes in a year. We have gone from around 7000 fifty years ago to 1600 or so now. Of course that is too many but given the increase in traffic movements, huge progress has been made. That has not prevented the current war being waged against us drivers who continue to be treated as cash cows by the authorities. No? We live in a country where you can lose your licence, maybe your job and get a four figure fine for doing 24 mph in a 20 mph limit whereas you can be cautioned for offences like burglary and assault. Parking charges are through the roof. Car parks are money pits awaiting the unwary. Cyclists now hold sway in the road user pecking order with narrowing of the highways to facilitate them. I could go on but space precludes.
The proposal for eye testing us older drivers is a good idea although most of us are tested for spectacles regularly.
As for the young, successive transport ministers here refuse to consider a graduated scheme for new drivers similar to the sensible approach in Australia.
I agree with Andrew Gill. Our roads are a disgrace; poorly maintained in what has been described as ‘managed decline.’ Let’s face it, they want us out of our cars and onto the god-awful public transport system that will take our independence and way of life.
Quite agree with Andrew Gill re the road condition. Constantly looking out for potholes instead of other potential hazards is causing unnecessary accidents.
Perhaps, but it’s not an either/or, it’s both. Just because the roads are bad, it isn’t an excuse for bad driving.
So 49% of road deaths are caused by drivers between 24 and 70. Obviously this is the age group that needs targeting. Statistics are all capable of interpretation, these stats tell you that the younger and older drivers are the safest.
We should adopt the Australian system for new/young drivers. Much stricter and practice focused and doesn’t allow new licence drivers to take passengers gets for at least a year.
All foreign licence holders should have to take a test if moving/living in the UK. The standard of driving has dropped so much in the UK.
Older drivers over 80 should have regular eye tests and a driving assessment every 2 years.
Motorway lane hoggers need to be fined. This will help lane discipline and help lessen traffic jams.
Bright LED headlight legislation needs to change to stop glare for oncoming cars. Particularly important in country lanes.
Drivers need to be more courteous and aware other drivers.
I agree completely with Andrew’s comment that ‘Speed doesn’t kill by itself’. If local authorities are given more freedom to reduce speed limits we will end up with blanket 20 mph limits in build up areas and 40 mph elsewhere. They all believe that reducing speed limits is the best way to reduce road accidents, but the real problem is bad driving not speed. It would be good if the practical driving test allowed the examiner to make subjective judgement on a learners ability to drive, rather than being a purely tick box exercise.
This government is soon to be toast; gerrymander and obfuscate until their term expires then maybe, just maybe, a common sense party will reign (for a period) and proper safety measures might be implemented. Twenty miles an hour my ar________.
People who ignore the laws regarding drink/drug driving, speeding etc, will continue to do so regardless of legal limits. Enforcement of the existing laws would be far more effective in reducing accidents than introducing new limits and tests.
Sort out the roads as mentioned, as having to dodge pot holes does nothing for road safety! Including the removal of so called traffic calming measures that damage the road surface and encourage sprints between them – install average speed cameras instead. No need then to reduce any speed limits other than nearby schools etc.
Only last week we heard that there was a serious issue with fake driving tests, where individuals take the test on behalf of someone else both for theory and practical, so there are clearly issues with qualifying the identity of individuals for tests that need to be addressed at test centres?
Then take the practical driving test itself, we’ve seen a reduction in the manoeuvres required, the introduction of using sat nav and the difference between some test locations can be staggering, not to mention a lack of any motorway driving, or even dual carriageways in some cases?
And don’t even mention ADAS which in my opinion can lead to a sense of false security for some drivers?
All the while the volume of vehicles on our roads have and are increasing significantly! Especially heavy goods.
Drink driving should be banned completely, zero limit! If you drink alcohol or take any other substances, you can’t drive, that simple with no exceptions.
Driver training seems to be diminishing? Training should include more controlled driving in specialist training sites perhaps regionally located, with practice on manoeuvres, emergency stops even clutch control and skid pans before being let lose on the roads. An instructor could take 2 or 3 trainees for a half day session at a time where each one has an opportunity to practice?
Younger drivers just need more training to prepare them for a life on the road, but costs also need to be addressed?
Better training will produce better drivers.
I have no problem with older drivers having regular eye tests, that makes perfect sense. But it’s not enough and I would add that with age comes a reduction in physical ability and mental awareness, something that should perhaps be addressed by insurance companies via the use of driving assessments? Many employers already do this to reduce their company insurance premiums, so why not offer it to private older aged customers to reduce their premiums too for a sensible fee of course, or included within their premiums? This would also potentially make the roads safer as some older drivers may be deemed too high a risk to insure, or their premiums would be so high that they couldn’t afford it, so would have to give up driving? Like many I’m sure, I’ve experienced and seen far too many older drivers who shouldn’t even be allowed to drive, still on our roads!
As many I’m sure I’ve also experienced a significant decline in driving standards on our roads too, so something needs to be done, but let’s do it properly! There’s no easy sweeping fix for this.
Andrew Gill makes several valid points, which are unfortunately likely to fall on deaf ears.
The latest Highway code changes are only likely to cause more confusion.
Pedestrian steps out to cross side road ‘knowing’ that he has priority under these rules, driver turning into side road, brakes abruptly to avoid said pedestrian, laden bus is unable to stop in such short distance …
Badly thought out.
We need more and proper education for all road users, not just pass and go tests.
No mention that drug driving comfortably exceeds drink driving, but nothing to address that.
A mostly PC bundle to up revenue and ultimately to try to drive out of cars altogether e.g. the ludicrous cost of EV’s, etc
It’s been said before, “it’s not the speed that kills, it’s the sudden stop!” However that’s flippant I know. All good in the feature and most of the comments, especially with regard to the state of the roads and associated signage. As a past motor cyclist, I agree with the limitation of vehicle for new licence holders – of all ages, also a speed limit with appropriate sign on the vehicle post test for a period, but not like here in Northern ireland where this speed limit for “R”estricted drivers is the same for all roads at 45 mph, dangerously slow on dual carriageways and motorways.
Having read the reply’s above my opinion is this
The government have it in thier power to reduce death and injury on our roads but they will not do so because to do so costs them money but they will introduce so called rules that will give them more income without actually achieving any purposeful results
Although I am totally in favour of eye tests and restricted car sizes for young drivers these will not make any difference as young drivers can cause as much mayhem in a 1000cc car as a v8 and a sticker on the rear of the car is not a speed restriction and can be removed
Any restrictions should be applied to anyone who has just passed thier driving test, not be age restricted
Why pensioners only are to have compulsory eye tests ,will these be different to the eyetests which are currently free to people over a certain age? or will they be a specialised eye test which will have to be paid for thus providing government revenue ?why not apply eye tests to everyone who has a driving licence?
I am sure that there are many drivers who have not had eyetests that may have deficient eyesight
What about drug tests? Cocaine and cannabis are widely used but much doesn’t seem to be done to curb the supply ,too much money involved maybe?and possibly more difficult to police?
Will there be tests for known drug users to pass?
What about the use of nitrous oxide?
Surely this should not be readily available but it is not as widely publicised as drink/drug driving but equally as dangerous and seems to be popular with young people
What is in place to test people who are driving on foreign licenses on our roads?
I am not aware they have to take a driving test but please correct me if I am wrong
As I said, I am all for making the roads safer but do it fairly, don’t single out small groups of people and use this a another form of tax, which it will be, introduce mandatory stop checks for everybody, make fines more harsh,(seizure of vehicles doesn’t mean a lot if it is stolen) make punishments for lesser demeanours helpful to the environment i.e cleaning the roadsides of rubbish and helping to repair pot holes etc
I could go on but unfortunately it’s only a lot of hot air like most government proposals
Sort out the installation of such bright dazzling lights on new cars. They are a hazard.
What’s the point of new laws and restrictions, however worthy, when our record for enforcement is so appallingly poor? Furthermore, the shocking condition of our roads certainly adds to the lack of safety.
Therefore if the police – enforcement of existing laws – and councils – potholes potholes potholes – did their jobs road safety would be considerably improved.