Overview
- Ministers propose cutting the legal alcohol limit in England and Wales from 35 to 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath, aligning with Scotland, while decisions for Northern Ireland remain devolved.
- Mandatory eyesight tests for drivers from age 70 are planned for consultation, with possible cognitive assessments also under review.
- The strategy seeks views on a minimum learning period of three to six months before practical tests and an even lower alcohol limit for newly qualified drivers.
- Measures under consultation include alcolocks for some drink-drive offenders, powers to suspend licences for suspected drink or drug driving, and creation of a Road Safety Board to oversee delivery.
- AA and RAC leaders broadly back the plan, bereaved families call for stronger graduated licensing, pub groups warn about rural trade, and a minister urged those who plan to drive to avoid alcohol entirely.