The UK’s drink-driving laws could soon get a major shake-up—and older drivers might have to prove their eyesight is still up to scratch—under new road safety plans being drawn up by ministers.
The proposals, expected this autumn, aim to tackle stubbornly high casualty figures. In 2024 alone, 1,633 people were killed and nearly 28,000 seriously injured on Britain’s roads. Those numbers have barely shifted since 2010, after falling sharply in the decade before.
Among the ideas on the table:
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Cutting the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22, matching Scotland and much of Europe.
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Mandatory eye tests every three years for drivers over 70, with bans for those who fail.
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Tougher penalties for uninsured drivers and those caught without a seatbelt.
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Letting police prosecute drug-drivers using roadside saliva tests, skipping the need for slower lab-based blood tests.
Labour officials argue the country has become complacent about road safety, pointing to a rise in drink-driving deaths over the last decade, which hit a 13-year high in 2022.
The UK is one of just three European nations relying on drivers to self-report eyesight issues—a gap ministers say could be putting people at risk.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to front the new strategy, which she says will “restore order to our roads.” The full plan will go out for public consultation before any changes are made.
If passed, the reforms could mean older drivers face regular vision checks—and drivers everywhere will have even less room for “just one more” before getting behind the wheel.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
