Eye tests for drivers over 70 and tighter alcohol limits could be introduced

The government’s forthcoming road safety strategy will consult on mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over and is reported to consider lowering the drink‑drive limit from 35 to 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath.

The government will publish a road safety strategy this week that sets out proposals affecting older drivers and drink‑driving rules. The plans are presented as part of an effort to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads. Officials are reported to be considering mandatory eyesight checks for people aged 70 and over and a possible tightening of the drink‑drive limit. The measures will be subject to consultation. Key details: - The strategy will consult on mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over and is reported to include consideration of cognitive tests for some older drivers. - Reports say ministers are looking at lowering the England and Wales drink‑drive limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms, matching Scotland; sources note this could make even a single pint risky for some motorists. - The government aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035 and by 70% for children under 16, according to the strategy. - In 2024, about 1,633 people were killed and nearly 28,000 seriously injured on Britain’s roads; roughly 24% of car drivers killed that year were aged 70 or over, and about 12% of casualties involved older drivers. - The strategy may also include higher penalties for uninsured driving, with reports suggesting the upfront fixed penalty could double to £600, and proposals to introduce penalty points for not wearing a seatbelt. - Officials have also examined changes such as using saliva tests for drug‑driving checks to aid prosecutions, according to reporting. Summary: The proposals are presented as measures to reduce road deaths and serious injuries while aiming to preserve personal freedoms where possible. The road safety strategy will be published and go out to consultation, and specific details and decisions are undetermined at this time.