Government launches its first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade
The plan hopes to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035
Last updated 7th Jan 2026
The Government has launched its first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, aiming to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.
The strategy, unveiled today (7th January), includes plans to cut road fatalities among children under 16 by 70% within the same timeframe. It outlines a range of measures to tackle causes of road injuries and fatalities, including consultations on lowering drink driving limits, implementing mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers, introducing longer minimum learning periods for new drivers, and improving safety technology in vehicles.
Government figures show that around four people lose their lives each day on Britain’s roads, with many more seriously injured annually. By addressing issues such as drink driving, speeding, mobile phone use, and non-seatbelt wear, leaders hope to significantly reduce these numbers.
Consultations to address common risks
Among the proposals are consultations on changes to the drink drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967. One in six road deaths in 2023 involved drink driving, prompting discussions on preventative measures such as alcohol interlock devices and new powers for licence suspension for suspected drink or drug driving offences.
Inexperience behind the wheel is also a concern, with 17-24-year-olds involved in 24% of fatal collisions despite representing only 6% of licence holders. The Government will consult on introducing mandatory minimum learning periods ranging from 3 to 6 months for learner drivers, aiming to improve skills in conditions like night driving and adverse weather.
As the number of older drivers rises, mandatory eyesight testing for people over 70 will also be examined, alongside options for cognitive testing.
Ensuring safer vehicles and road use
Vehicle safety is another focal point of the strategy. The introduction of 18 new vehicle safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance, is aimed at reducing risks on the road. These requirements will apply inclusively across Europe and Britain.
The Government also plans to crack down on illegal number plates designed to evade detection systems, as well as uninsured vehicles and drivers without valid MOTs. Alongside this, a Road Safety Investigation Branch will be formed to identify collision trends and implement prevention strategies using linked police and healthcare data.
Vulnerable road users and workplace driving
The needs of vulnerable road users are specifically addressed within the strategy. Motorcyclists, who account for 21% of road deaths but represent just 1% of vehicle traffic, will benefit from reforms to training, testing, and licensing. Children from deprived areas, who face disproportionately high pedestrian casualty rates, are also a priority, with plans for targeted safety initiatives.
Workplace driving comes under scrutiny too, with an estimated one in three road fatalities involving individuals driving for work. A National Work-Related Road Safety Charter pilot will establish safety standards for employers overseeing HGVs, vans, motorcycles, e-cycles, and other vehicles.
Support for measures to save lives
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the strategy as “a turning point” for road safety, while Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said the Government aimed to ensure safer travel for every road user. Both emphasised the necessity of collaboration between authorities, road safety experts, businesses, and the public.
Independent road safety campaigner Meera Naran MBE, whose 8-year-old son died in a road collision, welcomed the strategy and expressed gratitude for legislative changes brought forward in honour of her son’s memory.
Edmund King OBE, Director of The AA Charitable Trust, praised the "radical reframing" of road safety, highlighting the importance of lifelong road safety education and preventive measures for drink and drug driving, while IAM RoadSmart Director Nicholas Lyes underlined the urgency of addressing motorcycle safety and younger driver training.
The success of this strategy relies on the cooperation of multiple sectors working together to create safer roads for all.
Criticism of the strategy by bereaved families
An Altrincham mum whose 18-year-old son died after being hit by a dangerous driver has criticised the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy, saying it does not go far enough to tackle criminal driving.
Paula Allen's son, Marcus Simons-Allen, died in 2021, and speaking about the new plans published today (7th January), Paula said tougher measures are needed, including Graduated Driving Licenses and stronger penalties for uninsured drivers.
"They are reluctant to bring measures in that can actively make a difference," Paula said.
"There is no deterrent there to stop the criminality on our roads. You're always going to have it, but we need to reduce that and also bring in further help and education for those who want to come onto the road.
"You do not need to put yourself and other road users' lives at risk. That isn't being selfish, that is being absolutely reckless.
"We've had our fifth Christmas without Marcus. I can never find the words to describe the loss of our boy, I’ll never find the words for that."