The UK government is set to announce a major new road safety strategy this week, with proposals that could introduce mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over. The plans, aimed at dramatically reducing fatalities and serious injuries, seek to balance the independence of older motorists with the safety of all road users.
Core Proposals for Older Drivers
The strategy, due for full publication on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, directly addresses the safety of older drivers. Approximately 24% of drivers killed in collisions during 2024 were aged 70 or older, while this demographic accounted for 12% of all car crash casualties. To combat this, the government is considering not only compulsory eye tests for the over-70s but also potential cognitive assessments.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood emphasised the need for a balanced approach. "We know driving is important for older people's well-being and independence, but we must ensure everyone on our roads is safe," she stated. "As the country's older population grows, this first road safety strategy in over a decade will balance personal freedoms with measures to save lives."
Broader Safety Measures and Stiffer Penalties
The new road safety strategy forms part of an ambitious long-term target. The government aims to cut road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by the year 2035, with an even more stringent goal of a 70% reduction for children under 16.
Beyond measures for older drivers, the strategy is expected to include tougher penalties for other offences. Reports suggest that, for the first time, drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt could receive penalty points on their licence. Furthermore, motorists found driving without insurance could see a significant increase in their immediate fines, with proposed upfront penalties rising to as much as £600.
Implications and Expected Outcomes
This comprehensive strategy represents the most significant overhaul of road safety policy in more than ten years. By focusing on higher-risk groups and increasing the financial and legal consequences for dangerous behaviour, the government hopes to create a tangible shift in road safety culture.
The key elements of the plan include:
- Introducing mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70.
- Considering cognitive tests for older motorists.
- Issuing penalty points for seatbelt offences.
- Raising fines for uninsured driving to £600.
- Targeting a 65% reduction in road deaths by 2035.
The full details and implementation timeline will be clarified when the official document is released, marking a pivotal moment for transport policy and public safety across the United Kingdom.
