The Government has released the first national road safety strategy in over a decade, with a long-term plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads by 65% by 2035.

Launched today (Wednesday 7 January), the strategy also aims to cut KSIs by 70% for children under 16.

Among the key proposals are plans to create a minimum learning period for learner drivers of 3 or 6 months, eye tests for those over 70 and potential cognitive testing, and lowering the alcohol limit for driving.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has also provided a renewed commitment to introduce a Road Safety Investigation Branch, which 'will analyse collision patterns and inform prevention strategies, drawing on linked police and healthcare data to identify root causes and target interventions more effectively'. The creation of this investigatory body was first pledged under the previous government in 2022, following a multi-year pathfinder project overseen by the RAC Foundation. It would finally put roads on a similar footing to rail and aviation.

The new strategy also mandates 18 new vehicle safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance, by aligning British regulations closer with the European Union.

Ministers also committed to developing a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter pilot to establish a national standard for employers requiring people to drive or ride for work.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: ' For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence. The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.'

A new Road Safety Board, chaired by the minister for local transport, will oversee delivery of the strategy, supported by an Expert Advisory Panel drawing membership from local authorities, emergency services, active travel groups, and road safety organisations.

The policy impact

There were 1,602 road deaths in Great Britain last year, with almost 29,467 KSIs. And over the past decade, '22 European countries have made more progress than the UK in reducing road fatalities', DfT officials conceded, causing Britain to slip from third to fourth in European road safety rankings.

The new strategy adopts the internationally recognised Safe System approach: rather than placing responsibility on individual drivers, this concept ensures that road design, vehicle safety, enforcement and education work together to protect road users.

Dr Suzy Charman, executive director of the Road Safety Foundation, told Highways: 'The new Safe System aligned road safety strategy is a welcome step forward, with an ambitious vision backed by encouraging proposals — from mandating 18 new vehicle safety technologies to establishing a dedicated road safety investigation branch.

'The 2035 targets are undeniably stretching but, if achieved, they could prevent around 95,000 deaths and serious injuries over the next decade. Measures now out for consultation, including mandatory eyesight tests for over 70s, lower blood alcohol limits, the introduction of alcolocks, and penalty points for failing to wear a seatbelt, have the potential to be highly impactful. We look forward to exploring the detail further, particularly the plans for safe road infrastructure and safe speeds — two elements of the system designed to protect human life when collisions do occur.'

In 2023, one in six road fatalities involved drink driving. The Government said it would explore using alcohol interlock devices to prevent drink driving - in future offenders might be required to have such devices fitted to their vehicle as a condition of being allowed to drive again.

Under plans to introduce a minimum learning period, DfT officials highlighted that drivers aged 17-24 represent just 6% of licence holders but are involved in 24% of fatal and serious collisions.

An estimated one in three road traffic fatalities involves someone driving or riding for work. Government officials have previously suggested bringing work-related crashes under a similar regime to other work injuries in the hope that this would sharpen oversight from employers.

The new National Work-Related Road Safety Charter will be seen by many as a positive forward step.

Local transport minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: 'One of the hardest parts of my job is speaking to families who have lost loved ones on our roads and this is something we as a Government are taking action to prevent. Experts and campaigners have long called for a comprehensive strategy that treats road safety as a shared responsibility – from car manufacturers and town planners to drivers and legislators.

'This strategy, the first in over a decade, shows a Government that is not just listening, but leading, and together, we can build a safer future for all road users.'

New measures will also target the growing problem of illegal number plates, including 'ghost' plates designed to fool camera systems, and include proposals to reform motorcycle training, testing and licensing.

Reaction

Edmund King OBE, director of The AA Charitable Trust and AA president, said: 'This is a positively radical reframing of road safety which is long overdue. We commend the government for its wide-ranging and ambitious strategy and ambitious targets which we hope will save the lives of thousands of people.'

IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said: 'The strategy focuses on all key aspects including behaviours, training, vehicle technology and enforcement – all of which play a crucial role in keeping us safe on the road. An emphasis on younger drivers and motorcycle safety is particularly positive, considering these are some of our most vulnerable road users.'