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Westminster has announced it’s first road safety strategy in over 10 years, targeting an ambitious 65% reduction in deaths and serious injuries on UK roads by 2035.
From mandatory eye tests for over 70s to a minimum learning period for new drivers, the changes are expected to be the most significant to road safety laws since 2006.
We take a closer look at the changes to motoring laws introduced within the strategy – and how it will affect Scottish drivers.
New laws as part of the Road Safety Strategy:
1. Mandatory eye tests for over 70s
This is one of the biggest changes Labour is looking to introduce, and one that campaign groups have pressed for in recent years.
If implemented after a consultation period, the change would see all motorists aged 70 needing to obtain a current eye examination and include it with their application to renew their licence every three years.
What do you need to do if this change affects you?
How the testing and renewal system will work exactly has yet to be announced but drivers over 70 will have to show they’ve passed the tests required to renew their licence.
2. Minimum period of learning for new drivers
The Government will look to introduce a three or six-month minimum period of learning for first time drivers.
The DfT says that ‘inexperience behind the wheel is costing lives’ as drivers aged 17-24 represent just six per cent of licence holders but are involved in 24 per cent of fatal and serious collisions.
What do you need to do if this change affects you?
If this change goes through drivers will need to show they have completed the set amount of learning. We don’t yet know how this will be checked, but it may be that driving instructors will be required to show how long students have been learning for.
3. Crackdown on illegal number plates
The growing number of illegal number plates will be targeted with new measures, with particular focus on eliminating ‘ghost’ plates designed to fool camera systems.
Ghost plates use a reflective coating that prevents them from being read by recognition cameras.
The Government has been warned that as many as one in 15 vehicles may carry plates designed to evade detection.
How will the new road safety strategy be introduced?
The government will look to publish a number of consultations aimed at affected groups, including drivers older than 70, new drivers, motorbike users, and a consultation on vehicle tech.
Spokespeople from the AA have stated this will predominately look at the EU GSR2 (General Safety Regulation 2) – a European law mandating advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in new vehicles to reduce road deaths.
Further measures include bringing the drink-driving limit in England and Wales into line with Scotland’s, as well as tougher penalties for uninsured drivers and those without a valid MOT.
On the new strategy, Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander, said:
‘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.
‘We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence.
‘The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.’
Looking Ahead
If fully implemented, this new strategy could mark a meaningful step forward in reducing avoidable harm on UK roads. A stronger focus on older drivers eyesight, experience and enforcement reflects a growing understanding that safer roads rely on responsible driving as much as policy.
For Scottish motorists, some measures will feel familiar, while others may bring important changes. As consultations develop, clear guidance will be essential to ensure these reforms are effective.
We know that behind every statistic is a person and a family. Preventing injuries must remain the priority, but when accidents do happen, informed legal advice can make a real difference.
If you’ve been affected by a road traffic accident or have questions about your rights, we can help. Contact Gildeas Solicitors for a no-obligation chat today.
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