The Government is preparing its most sweeping road safety reforms in nearly two decades, with proposals to cut the drink-driving limit in England and Wales, tighten vision requirements for older drivers, and strengthen seatbelt enforcement.
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The Government is preparing its most sweeping road safety reforms in nearly two decades, with proposals to cut the drink-driving limit in England and Wales, tighten vision requirements for older drivers, and strengthen seatbelt enforcement.
Drink-Drive Limit Set to Be Cut

Ministers are considering lowering the legal limit from 35 to 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—matching Scotland’s current rule.
Additional Safety Measures Under Review

Other proposals include compulsory eyesight checks for drivers over 70, tougher penalties for seatbelt offences, and stronger action against uninsured drivers.
Crackdown on ‘Ghost Plates’

The strategy could also target illegal and obscured number plates designed to evade detection by traffic cameras.
Rising Road Casualties Prompt Action

In 2024, 1,633 people died and nearly 28,000 were seriously injured in road accidents—equivalent to one casualty every 18 minutes.
Older Drivers a Growing Concern

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Collisions involving drivers over 60 that cause death or serious injury have risen by 47% since 2010, prompting calls for more frequent vision checks.
Tougher Seatbelt Enforcement Planned

Proposals could raise penalties for drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts, after data showed rising fatalities linked to non-compliance.
Drug-Driving Prosecutions to Be Simplified

Police may be allowed to use roadside saliva tests as evidence, removing the current requirement for blood samples.
Support From Road Safety Advocates

AA president Edmund King welcomed the plans, saying they could prevent dozens of deaths and hundreds of serious injuries each year.
Public Consultation Expected in Autumn

The Government will seek feedback later this year before finalising the strategy, marking the most significant road safety update since 2006.