Over 70s could possibly be made to take obligatory eye assessments each three years – and shall be banned from driving in the event that they fail, it’s understood.
Ministers are mentioned to be contemplating “tougher” measures to sort out highway deaths and accidents in England and Wales, which they consider have “remained stubbornly high under successive Conservative governments”.
Underneath the brand new proposals, first reported by The Instances, the drink-drive restrict could be lowered to match the present guidelines in Scotland.
At present, the drink-drive restrict is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath in England and Wales, or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
However that is anticipated to be lowered to 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, to match the stricter ranges already enforced in Scotland.
These caught not sporting a seatbelt might additionally obtain penalty factors for the primary time, whereas drivers discovered on the highway with out insurance coverage might additionally face extra extreme penalties.
In addition to this, plans are at the moment being drawn as much as make these aged 70 or over take a obligatory eye take a look at each three years once they renew their driving licence.
Those that fail this may lose their proper to drive below the proposals. It is understood that assessments for different situations, akin to dementia, are additionally being thought of.
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is predicted to introduce the adjustments as a part of the federal government’s highway security technique within the autumn.
Pic: Reuters
The measures are anticipated to be unveiled by Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, in a brand new highway security technique because of be revealed within the autumn, it’s understood.
A Labour supply mentioned: “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 different circumstance would we settle for 1,600 folks dying, with 1000’s extra critically injured, costing the NHS greater than £2bn per yr.
“This Labour government will deliver the first Road Safety Strategy in a decade, imposing tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads.”
It comes after 1,633 folks died in highway site visitors accidents in 2024, with practically 28,000 victims critically injured.
