The government of Prime Minister Andy Burnham is weighing up plans to strip driving licences from motorists born after 2002 as part of a sweeping crackdown on drink-driving. The proposals, inherited from the previous administration led by Sir Keir Starmer, were first unveiled in January as part of the Road Safety Strategy.
Following a public consultation that closed in May, the government had promised an update within three months. With that deadline now passed, the final decisions rest with Mr Burnham, who took office as Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party. He also serves as MP for Makerfield.
Young drivers disproportionately involved in serious collisions
The strategy highlights alarming statistics: drivers aged 17 to 24 make up just 6% of all licence holders in Great Britain, yet they were involved in 24% of fatal and serious collisions in 2024. This disparity underpins the push for stricter measures, including a mandatory minimum learning period for learner drivers.
According to the document, the government plans to "take tougher action on drink driving by lowering the drink drive limit in England and Wales, including an even lower limit for novice drivers." The current legal blood alcohol limit in England and Wales is among the highest in Europe, and it has remained unchanged since it was first introduced in 1969.
New powers to suspend licences immediately
The strategy also proposes "bringing in new powers to suspend the driving licence" for young drivers and 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."
This would also apply to "those under investigation for the most serious motoring offences resulting in a fatality or serious injury." The government argues that under the current system, suspects can continue driving while awaiting conviction, which it deems unacceptable.
"It can take some time for those arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving to be convicted," the strategy states. "Under the current system, that means they are free to continue driving in the meantime. 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."
Next steps and implications
If implemented, the changes would mark a significant shift in road safety policy, particularly for younger drivers. The minimum learning period could require all new drivers to complete a set number of supervised hours before being allowed to take their test, a measure already in place in some other countries.
Lowering the drink-drive limit for novice drivers would mean even a small amount of alcohol could result in prosecution, potentially deterring young people from drinking any alcohol before getting behind the wheel. The suspension powers would give police and courts the ability to remove dangerous drivers from the road more swiftly.
The government has not yet confirmed a timeline for a final decision, but with the consultation closed and the deadline passed, an announcement is expected soon. The move is likely to spark debate, with some welcoming stricter measures to protect young lives, while others may argue that the measures are too heavy-handed.
For now, drivers born after 2002 and their families will be watching closely as the Burnham administration decides on the future of road safety laws in England and Wales.
