The government is considering introducing new powers to suspend driving licences for two groups of drivers, as part of the Road Safety Strategy inherited from the previous administration. The strategy, launched by the Labour Party government in January, has now come under the remit of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who succeeded Sir Keir Starmer.
Consultations and timeline
The strategy spawned five consultations, all of which closed in mid-May. The government promised to issue an update within three months, which would be August, and now falls under Mr Burnham's remit. The update has not yet been published, but the government is considering the measures outlined in the strategy.
In the strategy, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander states that the government is considering "bringing in new powers to suspend the driving licence" for two groups. The first group includes those suspected of committing a drink and/or drug driving offence until attendance at court or a guilty plea, or if bailed pending forensic analysis being undertaken. The second group includes those under investigation for the most serious motoring offences resulting in a fatality or serious injury.
Addressing delays in the current system
The plan notes that "it can take some time for those arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving to be convicted. Under the current system, that means they are free to continue driving in the meantime." The government is determined to take action, stating: "Given the seriousness of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, the government is determined to take action. This is particularly important where someone has been killed or seriously injured as a result."
The government is also "exploring alternative methods for drug driving evidence collection and processing", according to the strategy. It says: "The current collection and processing methods require review. The current process is subject to significant delays. Exploring alternative matrices will allow a more flexible approach to adapt to future technologies which could improve speed of results, supporting more robust enforcement outcomes."
Impact and next steps
If implemented, these new powers would close a gap that currently allows suspected offenders to continue driving while their cases are pending. The government's update on the consultations is expected to provide further details on how these measures will be taken forward. The strategy aims to improve road safety by ensuring that those who pose a risk are taken off the roads more quickly, particularly in cases involving fatalities or serious injuries.
