The UK Government’s New Road Safety Strategy: Mandatory Eye Tests for Over-70s

The UK government is set to implement a groundbreaking road safety strategy, the first in over a decade, with a focus on protecting road users and reducing accidents. One of the key proposals is the introduction of mandatory eye tests for drivers aged above 70, as reported by the BBC and several national newspapers.

Currently, drivers over 70 are allowed to self-report their eyesight quality when renewing their licences. Under the new proposal, they would be required to undergo an eye test every three years when renewing their licences. This measure aims to ensure that older drivers have adequate vision to safely operate a vehicle.

In addition to eye tests, the government is considering other significant changes to improve road safety. These include reducing the drink-driving limit across the UK to match the level permitted in Scotland, introducing roadside drug swabs as evidence for prosecuting drug-impaired drivers, and penalizing drivers who carry passengers not wearing seatbelts with penalty points on their licences.

While these proposals are part of a consultation process, Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones emphasized that the government is committed to reviewing and implementing measures to enhance road safety. If approved, these changes would represent the most significant update to the UK’s road safety laws in decades.

The new strategy comes in response to the stagnation in the annual number of serious injuries and fatalities on the road in recent years. Despite efforts to improve road safety, statistics show little change in the total number of road collisions resulting in serious injuries or deaths. Fatalities have increased slightly, highlighting the need for additional measures to address road safety concerns.

With a focus on protecting road users and restoring order to our roads, the UK government’s proposed road safety strategy aims to reduce accidents and improve overall road safety for all drivers and pedestrians. By implementing mandatory eye tests for older drivers and other key measures, the government seeks to create safer roads and reduce the number of road-related incidents.