The Labour government has launched a new road safety consultation that could introduce stricter mandatory eyesight testing for all drivers aged 70 and over. The plans also signal future consideration of cognitive assessments as part of a broader review of 'fitness to drive' measures for the UK's ageing population.
Balancing Safety with Independence for Older Motorists
In a foreword to the consultation announcement, Lilian Greenwood, the Minister for Local Transport, emphasised the need to find a balance. She stated that while a driving licence is a vital "lifeline" providing independence, the government's priority is ensuring all road users are safe. "Every fatality and serious collision is a tragedy," Greenwood said, referencing meetings with families affected by road harm.
The consultation directly addresses the current system of self-declaration at licence renewal for older drivers, a process that has been questioned following recommendations from coroners in fatal collision cases. With an ageing population where conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration become more common, the government aims to create a more robust safety framework.
The Data Behind the Decision
The push for reform is backed by official casualty figures. In 2024, there were 1,224 killed or seriously injured (KSI) older car driver casualties. This marked a 3% decrease from 2023, but represents a 7% increase compared to the data from a decade earlier in 2014.
"Our roads are some of the safest in the world, but any death on the roads is a tragedy," Minister Greenwood noted, linking safer roads to national missions like economic growth and reducing pressure on the NHS.
What the New Measures Could Involve
The immediate focus of the consultation is on introducing a compulsory eyesight test for drivers when they reach 70 and at each subsequent licence renewal. The document highlights that eyesight deterioration is a natural part of ageing, affecting the eye's structure and function.
Critically, the government has confirmed this is just the first step. The consultation states: "Consideration will be given in the future to other fitness to drive measures, such as cognitive assessments." This indicates a longer-term strategy to evaluate a driver's cognitive health alongside their vision.
The stated goal is to support older drivers in continuing to drive safely for as long as they are medically fit to do so, while proactively managing the risks associated with an increase in older drivers on the roads.
