Motorists over 70 could be banned from the roads if they fail compulsory eye tests, as part of a radical shake-up of driving laws in England and Wales.
Plans also include reducing the drink-driving limit in both countries to be in line with Scotland’s laws, and introducing penalty points for passengers not wearing a seatbelt.
The move comes after an inquest into four deaths caused by drivers with failing eyesight saw a coroner call the UK’s licensing system the “laxest in Europe”.
The changes are expected to be included in a new road safety strategy set to be published by the government in the autumn, with ministers believing that the current safety messaging is not working.
“In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2bn per year,”
70 is the new 50 thanks to huge strides in medical care but let’s be realistic, everyone’s sight deteriorates as you get older. Roads are busier and cars perform at a higher level. This is a sensible move by legislators, for once.
