Overview
- Ministers propose reducing the legal alcohol limit in England and Wales from 35µg to about 22µg per 100ml breath to match Scotland, with Northern Ireland’s limit remaining a devolved matter.
- The strategy seeks feedback on mandatory eyesight checks for drivers aged 70 and over and on a minimum learning period for new motorists of three or six months before testing.
- Officials are exploring alcolocks for some convicted drink-drivers and new powers to suspend licences for suspected drink or drug driving.
- The plan restores casualty-reduction targets of 65% by 2035 overall and 70% for children, overseen by a new Road Safety Board.
- Road-safety organisations broadly welcome the direction, while bereaved families and some campaigners say it falls short without graduated licence restrictions; none of the measures take effect until consultations conclude.