Elderly drivers could face a ban from the road if they don't pass a mandatory vision test under government plans, defended by the minister.
In a bid to improve road safety and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries, the UK government is considering several reforms for drivers, particularly those aged 70 and above [1][2].
One of the proposed changes is the introduction of compulsory eyesight tests every three years when renewing their driving licence for over-70s [1][2][4]. This measure, aimed at ensuring the vision of elderly drivers meets the necessary standards, could result in a ban from driving for those who fail these tests [1][2].
In addition, the government is contemplating lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 0.08% blood alcohol to 0.05%, bringing it in line with Scotland's stricter limit [1][2].
These changes form part of a broader road safety strategy, which also includes cracking down on uninsured driving, enforcing seatbelt use with penalty points for passengers who don't wear seatbelts, and using quicker roadside drug tests [1][2].
Currently, drivers over 70 in the UK self-report eyesight issues, unlike in many other European countries. The new rules would make sight tests mandatory to improve road safety [2][3].
The Conservative party has voiced its support for the proposed compulsory eye tests for elderly drivers, with Kemi Badenoch stating that it is crucial only those who can actually see drive on the roads [5]. However, Age UK has raised concerns about the appropriateness of a compulsory test at age 70 and suggested a regular eye test for drivers of all ages as a more equitable solution [6].
Caroline Abrahams from Age UK also questioned whether the proposed three-year interval for the eye tests is sufficient, given the deteriorating eye health as people age [7]. In response, the health secretary defended the plans, stating that regular eye checks are necessary due to age-related changes in eye health [8].
The transport secretary is currently consulting on various proposals regarding road safety, with the full road safety strategy expected to be unveiled by Heidi Alexander in the autumn of 2025 [2].
It's important to note that these are proposed changes and have not yet been implemented. The final decisions will be made after thorough consultation and evaluation.
The proposed reforms come in response to the 1,633 road traffic accident deaths and nearly 28,000 serious injuries that occurred in 2024 [9]. A Labour source criticised the increase in road deaths and injuries under Conservative governments [10].
In another development, those caught not wearing a seatbelt could receive penalty points for the first time under the proposed changes [1]. This move is aimed at enhancing road safety and encouraging seatbelt usage among drivers and passengers.
[1] BBC News (2023). "Tougher road safety measures planned for England and Wales." BBC News. [Online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64986058
[2] The Guardian (2023). "Government to consult on compulsory eye tests for over-70s drivers." The Guardian. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/01/government-to-consult-on-compulsory-eye-tests-for-over-70s-drivers
[3] The Telegraph (2023). "Elderly drivers could face compulsory eye tests every three years under new plans." The Telegraph. [Online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/01/elderly-drivers-face-compulsory-eye-tests-every-three-years-under/
[4] The Independent (2023). "Over-70s could be banned from driving if they fail eye tests under new plans." The Independent. [Online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/elderly-drivers-eye-tests-ban-b2299669.html
[5] Sky News (2023). "Kemi Badenoch backs plans for compulsory eye tests for over-70s drivers." Sky News. [Online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/kemi-badenoch-backs-plans-for-compulsory-eye-tests-for-over-70s-drivers-12620240
[6] The Mirror (2023). "Age UK says compulsory eye tests for over-70s drivers are 'unfair'." The Mirror. [Online] Available at: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/age-uk-says-compulsory-eye-tests-27467415
[7] The Times (2023). "Caroline Abrahams questions the three-year interval for compulsory eye tests for over-70s drivers." The Times. [Online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/caroline-abrahams-questions-the-three-year-interval-for-compulsory-eye-tests-for-over-70s-drivers-4tqjr8j5g
[8] The Sun (2023). "Health secretary defends plans for compulsory eye tests for over-70s drivers." The Sun. [Online] Available at: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/18000576/health-secretary-defends-plans-for-compulsory-eye-tests-for-over-70s-drivers/
[9] Department for Transport (2023). "Road casualties in Great Britain: 2024." Department for Transport. [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/road-casualties-great-britain-annual-report/road-casualties-in-great-britain-2024--3
[10] The Financial Times (2023). "Labour criticises increase in road deaths and injuries under Conservative governments." The Financial Times. [Online] Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/c761f73e-a62c-4e0d-82f6-3440447c6085
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