The UK Government has launched its most significant road safety blueprint in over a decade, pledging a major reboot of driving laws in England and Wales to tackle a stalled decline in road casualties.
Core Proposals: A Crackdown on Drink-Driving and Reoffending
At the heart of the new strategy is a plan to slash the legal drink-drive limit. The current threshold of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath in England and Wales—the highest in Europe alongside Malta—will be reduced to 22 micrograms. This brings it in line with the stricter limit already enforced in Scotland.
To prevent repeat offences, the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering the mandatory installation of alcolocks (breathalyser-linked ignition interlocks) for certain offenders. Police will also receive fresh powers to immediately suspend the licences of those suspected of driving under the influence.
Broader Safety Measures for Young and Old
The wide-ranging proposals extend beyond alcohol. Ministers are looking at introducing compulsory eye exams for motorists aged 70 and above to ensure they remain fit to drive, moving beyond the current system of self-reporting health issues to the DVLA.
For new drivers, a minimum learning period is under consideration, aiming to build greater experience before gaining a full licence. The strategy also targets illegal number plates, uninsured drivers, and vehicles without a valid MOT.
Ambitious Targets to Save Lives
The Government has set bold casualty reduction targets, which were scrapped 16 years ago. By 2035, it aims to achieve a 65% reduction in all serious injuries and fatalities, with an even more ambitious 70% reduction target for children.
This push comes as national statistics reveal progress has plateaued. While road deaths fell dramatically from 7,763 in 1972 to 1,602 in 2024, the rate of decline has slowed significantly since 2010. Data indicates 22 other European nations have made faster progress in preventing fatal collisions in recent years.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated: "Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point." She added that the measures announced would "save thousands of lives over the coming decade."
Road safety groups have welcomed the plan. RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: "We've long said the dial needs to be turned up... Britain might have some of the safest roads by international standards, but on average, four people are still killed and 76 seriously injured every single day. That's an unacceptable number."
He emphasised that the strategy's success would hinge on driver awareness and enforcement, but called it "a real chance to give the whole topic of road safety the focus and public attention it deserves."
