The UK government is set to launch a consultation on introducing mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and above, as part of a major new road safety strategy to be unveiled this week.
Targeting Safety for an Ageing Population
Potential eye tests and cognitive assessments for older motorists are among key measures the Department for Transport will seek public and expert views on. The plans aim to tackle a concerning statistic: about 24 per cent of all car drivers killed in 2024 were aged 70 or older. Furthermore, older drivers were involved in 12 per cent of all casualties from car collisions last year.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood emphasised the need to balance safety with independence. "We know driving can be very important for older people's wellbeing and help them to live independently, but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads," she stated.
Broader Road Safety Ambitions
The forthcoming strategy, the first of its kind in over a decade, has ambitious national targets. It aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads by 65 per cent by 2035, with an even higher target of a 70 per cent reduction for children under 16.
"As the country's older population grows, our plans... will preserve personal freedoms where possible with action to save lives," added Minister Greenwood. The consultation on older driver testing forms part of this wider effort to enhance safety without unduly restricting mobility.
Tougher Penalties for Uninsured Drivers
The new road safety strategy is also expected to propose stricter penalties for other offences. In a bid to deter uninsured driving, the upfront fixed penalty fine could double to £600. This change is designed to ensure fines are significantly higher than the average cost of insurance premiums.
The government's full road safety strategy will be published on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, marking a significant step in shaping the future of transport policy and public safety in the UK.
