The UK Government is preparing to implement what has been described as the most significant reform to driving laws in decades, with a wide range of proposals aimed at improving road safety and reducing fatalities.
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones referred to the upcoming changes as the “biggest shake-up to our driving laws for decades.” Among the proposals are mandatory eyesight tests for elderly drivers and a reduction in the legal drink-drive limit.
Eye Tests for Older Drivers
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is reviewing the introduction of compulsory eye tests for drivers over 70, to be carried out every three years in order to retain their driving licences. This measure follows a Prevention of Future Deaths report from Dr James Adeley, senior coroner for Lancashire, who raised concerns after several fatal incidents involving drivers with impaired vision.
One such case involved 64-year-old Rosemary McAndrew, who died from chest injuries in July 2024 after being struck by a reversing vehicle driven by an 89-year-old man in a supermarket car park. Medical reports suggested he may have suffered a neurological episode, and he had previously been treated for back pain and potential stroke symptoms. He died eight months later from dementia and complications related to gangrene.
The UK currently relies on drivers to self-report any visual impairments, a system used by only two other countries in Europe.
Lower Drink-Drive Limits Under Consideration
Authorities are also evaluating a proposal to reduce the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 35 to 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. This would bring the limit in line with Scotland and much of mainland Europe.
Officials stress that alcohol affects individuals differently depending on various factors such as body weight, gender, and age, making it difficult to quantify a safe number of drinks. The current drink-drive limit has remained unchanged since 1967.
In 2022, the UK recorded a 13-year high in drink-driving-related deaths, fuelling concerns that existing measures are no longer sufficient.
Tougher Enforcement and Penalties
Other proposals include:
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Increased penalties for uninsured drivers
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Harsher consequences for failing to wear a seatbelt
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Allowing police to pursue drug-driving charges based on saliva tests at the roadside, eliminating the need for blood samples
The latter measure builds upon a 2012 law that introduced a specific offence for driving with controlled substances in the bloodstream over a legal limit. The goal was to reduce delays and inefficiencies in prosecuting such offences.
Broad Political and Sector Support
Motoring groups have broadly welcomed the proposed reforms. AA President Edmund King stated, “The time has come for a bold and proactive approach to road safety… Road deaths have plateaued, and a new strategy is long overdue.”
He added that further steps should be taken, such as restricting drivers under 21 from carrying similarly aged passengers for six months after passing their test.
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, supported the focus on vision checks, noting, “In 2023, almost 100 serious injuries or fatalities were linked to defective eyesight… This is a sensible step, and most older drivers support it.”
Government officials across parties appear supportive of the reform. A government source reportedly told the BBC: “In no other situation would we tolerate 1,600 deaths a year… It costs the NHS over £2bn annually.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also endorsed the need for mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers, stating, “We need to ensure that people using our roads are safe.”
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.
