The New Government Road Safety Strategy

The UK Government has just announced a new Road Safety Strategy with the aim of saving thousands of lives over the next decade. It is the first national strategy of its kind for more than ten years.

Ambitious Targets for Reducing Road Deaths

The plan sets out a target to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035. For children under 16, the target is a 70% reduction. The Department for Transport says this comes in response to stalled progress on road safety and persistent daily loss of life on UK roads.

Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, commented:

“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.”

Government figures show that around four people die on Britain’s roads every day, with many more suffering life-changing injuries. The strategy focuses on the most common causes of serious collisions and aims to change long-standing behaviours.

Changes to Driving Standards and Behaviour

Key proposals include a consultation on lowering the legal drink-drive limit in England and Wales, bringing it closer to the limit already in place in Scotland. The government is also exploring the use of alcohol interlock devices for repeat drink-drive offenders.

There are plans to consult on stronger requirements for new drivers, including mandatory minimum learning periods. The aim is to ensure new drivers gain more real-world experience before driving independently.

Older drivers are also included in the proposals. The strategy sets out plans to consult on mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over, with options to explore cognitive assessments where appropriate.

Stronger Enforcement on UK Roads

Enforcement also plays a major role. The government says it will increase action against uninsured drivers, vehicles without MOTs and the use of illegal number plates. These measures are intended to improve fairness for law-abiding motorists and reduce risk on the roads.

The AA Charitable Trust supported the announcement, describing the strategy as long overdue and praising its focus on drink-driving, seatbelt use and uninsured vehicles.

What This Means for Businesses and Drivers

For businesses, the strategy introduces the idea of a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter. This would set clearer standards for employers whose staff drive as part of their job, helping to reduce work-related road risk.

For drivers, fleet managers and insurers, the message is clear. Road safety policy is shifting towards tougher standards, stronger enforcement, and higher expectations of driver responsibility.

As consultations move forward, we’d advise motorists and businesses to stay informed and be prepared for changes that could affect driving habits, compliance, and insurance considerations.

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