A WARNING has been issued to more than five million British drivers who could be banned from the roads under a new rule.
Ministers are considering introducing new rules for older drivers in England and Wales.
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Mandatory eye tests for elderly motorists are being considered along with a raft of other legislation according to The Times.
The proposals, set to be published as part of a road safety strategy in the autumn, also include tougher penalties for uninsured driving and failing to wear a seatbelt.
It was reported that the drink drive limit was also set to be changed as part of the new road safety plans.
The change would mark the biggest shake-up of driving rules for nearly two decades.
Drivers over 70-years-old are already subject to different rules on the road.
When someone turns 70 they must begin renewing their licence every three years and they automatically lose their C1 or D1 entitlements.
C1 allows users to drive medium-sized vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of between 3,500kg and 7,500kg and D1 entails users can drive minubuses with no more than 16 passenger seats.
The new rules would slap older drivers with further regulations and come amid concern over the number of road traffic accidents on Britain’s roads.
Last year, 1,633 people were killed and almost 28,000 seriously injured in traffic incidents.
Numbers have remained relatively constant following a large fall between 2000 and 2010.
Meanwhile, the number of people killed in drink-driving incidents has risen over the past decade, reaching a 13-year high in 2022.
This prompted concern that existing road safety measures are no longer working.
Under the plans being considered by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, the drink-drive limit in England and Wales could be cut from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms.
This figure would be in line with Scotland – which cut its drink-drive limit in 2014 – and the rest of Europe.
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The UK is one of only three European countries to rely on self-reporting of eyesight problems that affect driving.
Ministers are therefore considering compulsory eye tests every three years for drivers aged over 70 when they renew their licence.
Any who fail the eye test would be slapped with a driving ban under the new legislation.
A potential medical test for conditions such as dementia is also reportedly being looked at alongside eye tests.
Other proposals are reported to include allowing the police to bring prosecutions for drug-driving on the basis of roadside saliva tests rather than blood tests as increasing numbers of drivers are caught with drugs in their system.
The strategy is due to be published in the autumn, and all proposals will be subject to consultation
Edmund King, AA president, said: “The time has come for a bold and proactive approach to road safety.
“This strategy is much overdue as road deaths have plateaued over the last decade.
“We believe these new measures will not only modernise our approach to saving lives but also provide renewed momentum in making our roads safer for everyone.”
Vision checks for older drivers and targeting drink and drug drivers are “practical steps that can make a real difference”, he said.
Failing to introduce limits on new drivers transporting peer-age passengers for six months is “a major oversight”, he added.
Most common illegal driving activities
Here’s a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.
- Using phone while driving
A cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine.
New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it. - Speeding
Lovers of fast and furious will end up with a minimum of three points and a £100 fine. - Running a red light
This offence will incur three points and £100 fine. - Middle lane hogging
It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you a £100 fine with three penalty points. - Undertaking
This could possibly result in three points on your licence and a £100 fine.
