Driving law changes to crack down on elderly motorists and drink-drivers are 'much overdue' - 'Sensible'

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 11/08/2025

- 09:49

The changes are expected to be subject to consultation before being included in the upcoming road safety strategy

Experts have praised proposed plans that could see the first major overhaul of road safety laws for more than a decade, saying it is "much overdue".

Ministers are reportedly planning to ban motorists over the age of 70 from driving if they fail compulsory eye tests in a huge shake-up of road safety rules.


The Times claimed that the Government was also looking to reduce the drink-drive limit and hit motorists with penalty points if passengers do not wear their seatbelts.

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The new measures are expected to be introduced as part of the Government's latest road safety strategy, which will launch in the autumn.

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Elderly driver, drink driving and a driving licence

Labour is expected to launch the new driving laws in the upcoming road safety strategy

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GETTY/PA

Sources told the newspaper that it would represent the "most far-reaching" reforms since the Road Safety Act was introduced in 2006.

The proposals have been backed by experts, who state that more needs to be done to crack down on serious accidents on Britain's roads.

Last year, 1,633 people were killed and almost 28,000 were seriously injured on Britain's roads in traffic accidents.

These numbers have remained consistent after a significant decline between the start of the millennium and 2010, potentially in part due to the Road Safety Act.

Edmund King, President of the AA, said a "bold and proactive" approach was needed to ensure all road users feel safe when travelling across the country.

He added: "This strategy is much overdue as road deaths have plateaued over the last decade.

"We believe these new measures will not only modernise our approach to saving lives but also provide renewed momentum in making our roads safer for everyone."

Commenting on specific policy proposals, King noted that vision checks for older motorists and a targeted approach to tackling drink and drug driving "could make a real difference".

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Eye testExperts have previously called for compulsory eyesight tests once a driver reaches 70 years of age | PA

Despite the optimism around the proposals outlined, the AA's president said the Government was making a "major oversight" by not limiting new drivers transporting same-age passengers for six months.

There have long been calls for the Government to introduce a Graduated Driving Licence system that would impose restrictions on younger motorists.

Other proposals include a potential curfew for drivers who have recently passed their tests, as well as a zero-tolerance approach to drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel.

While Labour has ruled out introducing a Graduated Driving Licence system, the new rules featured in the upcoming road safety strategy could include aspects of these measures.

Motorist stopped by police to give a breath test

The proposals also include a crackdown on people driving under the influence of drink or drugs

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PA

A Labour source said: “At the end of the last Labour Government, the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads was at a record low, but numbers have remained stubbornly high under successive Conservative Governments.

"In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2billion per year."

Commenting on the proposals, Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, said the Government's ambitions were welcomed and a "step in the right direction".

He added: "While many drivers over the age of 70 are safe and competent, health issues and confidence can have an impact on driving abilities, so it is sensible to review whether changes need to be made.

"We would also support reducing the drink-drive limit in England and Wales alongside measures to target drug-driving; however, these would require significantly more backing for roads policing teams to effectively enforce new laws."