Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The UK government has introduced its first significant road safety strategy in over ten years, focusing on reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the roads. These new measures specifically target England and Wales, although some similar rules are already effective in Scotland and Northern Ireland. While the proposals are currently open to public consultation, they outline a variety of changes aimed at improving road safety for all users.
One notable proposal involves drivers aged over 70 being required to undergo vision checks every three years, rather than simply declaring their eyesight is sufficient for driving. At present, drivers need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres but do not have to submit any formal proof of their vision standard. It’s worth noting that NHS eye tests remain free for everyone over 60 across the UK. Additionally, the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering the introduction of cognitive testing for older drivers to assess their ability to drive safely.
Another area of reform concerns learner drivers. The government is exploring the possibility of enforcing a minimum waiting period of up to six months between passing the theory test and taking the practical driving examination. Currently, learners can schedule their practical test immediately after theory success. Officials argue that a mandatory learning period would allow new drivers to gain more experience, including practicing driving in diverse conditions. This proposal is still subject to consultation and may include informal practice with family as well as formal lessons with professional instructors. Experiences from other countries suggest such waiting periods could reduce collisions involving learner drivers by as much as 32%. It’s important to mention that, due to Covid-related backlogs, many learners currently face practical test waits of around six months, with delays expected to persist until late 2027.
The strategy also suggests lowering drink-driving limits. For novice drivers or those still within a two-year probationary period, the alcohol limit would be cut from 80mg to around 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. All other drivers would have a reduced limit of about 50mg, aligning with current Scottish regulations, compared to the existing 35 micrograms per 100ml of breath limit in England and Wales. Because alcohol metabolism varies depending on factors like weight and age, the exact amount of alcohol permitted is not fixed. In addition, the government intends to introduce “alcolocks” for certain drink-driving offenders—devices installed in vehicles that prevent them from being driven unless the driver passes a breath test. This approach, already used in countries like Australia, Canada, and Belgium, would be a condition for offenders to regain driving privileges. Penalties related to drink-driving offences will also be reviewed as part of these reforms.
Motorcyclists could see changes too, with plans to review and possibly update the current learning process, including alterations to Compulsory Basic Training and schemes promoting safe helmet use. The government also aims to pilot Project Prime, designed to improve the safety of motorcyclists on rural roads. Lastly, tougher fines and enforcement powers are under consideration. These include the potential to suspend the licenses of drivers suspected of drink or drug driving until their court hearings, introducing penalty points for seatbelt violations, and implementing stricter sanctions for driving without insurance or an MOT. Drivers using “ghost” number plates that evade recognition cameras may also face harsher penalties
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.