UK driving rules set for biggest changes in two decades

UK driving rules could be set for their biggest shake-up since the Road Safety Act 2006 in a new strategy due to be revealed this autumn.

The government is working on a new road safety strategy that it hopes will address a shock rise in road fatalities after years of significant declines.

Proposals are understood to include a reduction in the drink-drive limit, measures to tackle an alarming rise in drug-driving and tougher penalties for uninsured drivers.

Drink drive limit lowered?

The drink-drive limit could be reduced from 35 micrograms per 100ml of blood down to 22 micrograms – the same as Scotland.

This follows alarm earlier this month with latest figures showing the number of drink-drive deaths is also on the increase.

Points for unbelted passengers

Drivers could also be punished if their passengers fail to wear a seatbelt. A penalty of three points on top of the existing fine of up to £500 could be imposed.

Passengers themselves could be issued with points for the first time too, if they have a driving licence.

Tougher penalties for uninsured drivers

Tougher penalties for uninsured drivers could also be put in place, with research by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau showing that today’s measures (6 penalty points and a £300 fine) are not enough of a deterrent.

"We believe that the current penalty of £300, which hasn’t changed in over ten years, simply isn’t enough of a deterrent," says Angus Eaton, CEO of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

"We’re calling for the penalty to be raised so that it is double the average premium, to help eradicate the issue.” Its research showed that 3 in 4 Brits would support quadrupling the fine to £1200."

Compulsory eye tests for over 70s

Controversially, there are even plans to introduce compulsory eye tests for drivers aged over 70 – who could potentially be barred from driving if they fail.

This would toughen up current rules that require drivers aged over 70 to simply self-certify their fitness to drive.

Critics say the UK has some of the laxest rules in Europe here and point to the number of over-60s involved in ‘killed or seriously injured’ collisions rising 47% since 2010.

The road safety strategy will be published in the autumn, before going out for consultation.

Back in 1979, a sobering 6352 people died on UK roads. By 2010, this had fallen to 1850 but, 14 years later, still stood at 1633 people.

The government wants to speed up the rate of improvement once again.

"We look forward to seeing the detail of the government’s forthcoming road safety strategy as too many lives are being lost on our roads every year," says RAC head of policy Simon Williams. “More clearly needs to be done to change that.”

Ask HJ

If I stop to let pedestrians cross at a box junction will I be liable for a penalty?

There is a new box junction near me. If I cannot clear it and stop to allow pedestrians to cross when turning right or left into the road (under the new Highway Code rules) will I be liable to a penalty? The road is busy so there are times when it's not possible to wait outside the box until the junction is clear of pedestrians. Or should I just avoid turning left or right into the road! Any vehicle following me and also in the box would of course be liable.

Potentially there is a gap in the Highway Code between the requirement to stay out of a box junction unless your exit is clear (unless turning right) and the requirement to give way to pedestrians. However, the rule for box junctions is a law stating 'you must not' whereas the rule for giving way to pedestrians is guidance prefaced by the term 'you should', which suggests the former is potentially open to prosecution whereas the latter is less likely. Ultimately it is a matter of using your judgement in the situation - you could enter the box junction with your exit appearing to be clear only for a pedestrian to start crossing, and it would seem unreasonable to be punished for avoiding a collision.

Answered by David Ross

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