Mandatory Eye Tests Proposed for Drivers Over 70 Amid Road Safety Reforms

The UK government is set to introduce mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and older, a crucial step in a sweeping road safety reform plan. This initiative is part of the country's first official road safety strategy in over a decade.

Key Changes in Road Safety Regulations

Under the proposed regulations, drivers over the age of 70 will be required to undergo an eye test every three years when renewing their driving licence. This replaces the current system where drivers self-report their eyesight quality during licence renewal.

Additional Proposed Safety Measures

In addition to the eye test requirements, the government is also exploring other road safety measures, including:

• Lowering Drink-Driving Limits: The proposed reduction of drink-driving limits across the UK, aligning them with Scotland's stricter standards, would decrease the permissible breath alcohol content from 35µg to 22µg.
• Implementing Roadside Drug Swabs: The use of roadside drug swabs to gather evidence against impaired drivers could become a standard practice for enforcement.
• Enforcement of Seatbelt Regulations: Drivers could receive penalty points for allowing passengers not wearing seatbelts.

However, the government has decided against introducing a controversial ‘graduated licence’ system for new and young drivers that would impose curfews and other limitations on their driving privileges.

Consultation and Future Prospects

These proposals are currently part of a consultation phase. Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones noted that the government is committed to ongoing reviews of these measures, emphasizing their importance for the safety of all road users.

If approved, this could represent the most significant shift in UK road safety laws in decades. A government source indicated that this strategy focuses on "protecting road users" and aims to tackle the stagnation in reductions of serious road injuries and fatalities observed in recent years.

According to provisional government figures, 29,537 individuals suffered serious injuries or fatalities due to road traffic collisions in the UK last year, showing little change compared to 2023. Fatalities increased by 1%, totaling 1,633 deaths. Although there has been a decrease of 14% in serious injuries and an 8% drop in fatalities compared to 2014, the persistent plateau in these numbers calls for urgent reform.

As the nation navigates these critical changes, the focus remains on enhancing road safety for all drivers, particularly older individuals who may face greater challenges on the road.