Proposals have been put forward to launch a new road safety strategy – which are the first changes to be published in more than a decade.
Launched on Wednesday (January 7) the framework sets a target in the hope of reducing deaths and serious injuries on British roads by 65 per cent by 2035.
Here is all we know about the proposed changes:
Changes for young drivers
Learner drivers could soon be required to complete a mandatory minimum learning period before sitting their practical tests.
They may have to wait three or six months having lessons after passing their theory test before they are eligible to book a practical exam.
The Government state that this is down to stats showing the number of incidents they are involved in.
Current figures highlight that drivers aged 17–24 represent just six percent of UK licence holders, but were involved in 24 percent of all fatal and serious collisions in the UK last year.
Drink driving limits lowered
The government will consult on lowering the drink drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967.
At present it is 80mg alcohol per 100ml blood (35µg/100ml breath) – the highest in Europe.
As well as lowering the limit, those who are guilty of drink or drug offences may find that they will have to have alcohol interlock devices fitted to cars as well as giving authorities new powers to suspend driving licences for those suspected of drink or drug driving offences.
Drink drive offenders could be required to have one of these devices fitted to their vehicle as a condition of being allowed to drive again once their ban is up.
Any drivers found to be travelling without wearing a seat belt would be endorsable for an immediate on the spot fine and three penalty points, with no exceptions.
Motorists over the age of 70 may face compulsory eyesight checks every three years.
Edmund King, president of the AA motoring organisation, said: “Eye tests are free for people over the age of 60 anyway and healthcare professionals advise them every two years given they can help with diagnosis of other underlying conditions.
“In fact, the AA advises everyone to have an eye test every two years.”
Crackdown on illegal number plates
Authorities will be getting serious on tracking illegal number plates and ‘ghost’ plates, which are designed to fool Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
The Government say as many as one in 15 vehicles has unlicensed plates, and it remains a growing crisis across the country.