A four-month consultation into the planned new Road Safety Strategy ends today, paving the way for a string of new driving laws in England. The Labour Party government aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on UK roads, where an average of four lives are lost daily. The strategy targets a reduction in road deaths by 2035 and commits to reviewing policies on young and novice drivers, older drivers, and motorcyclists.
Consultation Details
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the consultation, which ends at midnight on May 11, ensures laws reflect public attitudes towards dangerous driving. "This is your opportunity to ensure that the law adequately reflects what the vast majority of the British public feel, that unsafe and dangerous behaviour has no place on our roads," she added.
Drink and Drug Driving
The government is considering lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales to match Scotland's stricter rules. Currently, offenders face up to three months' imprisonment, a £2,500 fine, and a possible driving ban. New proposals could allow police to suspend licences before court and seize vehicles from suspected drink or drug drivers.
Seatbelt Offences
Not wearing a seatbelt could become an endorsable offence, carrying three penalty points instead of a £100 fine. The consultation warns that 25% of car occupant fatalities in 2024 were not wearing seatbelts, highlighting disproportionate risks.
MOT and Roadworthiness
Drivers caught without a valid MOT face tougher punishments. Currently, fines reach £1,000, or £2,500 if the vehicle is deemed dangerous. The government is also targeting invalid car insurance, with concerns that some offences lack extra penalties such as penalty points or vehicle seizure.
Illegal Number Plates
Police and road safety groups have raised concerns about offences like incorrect or false number plates that hinder justice. The government is considering adding penalty points or vehicle seizure for such violations.
Failure to Stop and Report
Failure to stop after a collision is an aggravating factor in sentencing, but the maximum sentence is six months. If drivers attempt to avoid detection, they may face charges of perverting the course of justice, which carries a maximum of life imprisonment.
Driving Unlicensed
The government is considering extended sentences for unlicensed, uninsured, or disqualified drivers involved in fatal or serious injury collisions. This would allow police more time to investigate and potentially charge offenders with failing to stop.
