West Yorkshire police boss welcomes tough new driving laws to cut road deaths
Plans to cut the drink-drive limit, introduce mandatory sight tests for drivers over 70 and a minimum learning period for new drivers have been welcomed.
The road safety strategy also proposes to require some convicted drink-drivers to have alcolocks fitted to their vehicles, and new powers to suspend driving licences for people suspected of drink or drug-driving offences.
Other planned measures to be consulted on include introducing mandatory sight tests once drivers reach 70, a minimum learning period for new drivers, and a crackdown on uninsured drivers and illegal number plates.
The strategy – which is the first of its kind in more than a decade – aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65 per cent by 2035, and by 70 per cent for children under 16.
Alison Lowe OBE, Chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Partnership and the region’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “Locally we’ve committed to Vision Zero, to prevent all road deaths and serious injuries by 2040.
“I welcome the launch of this strategy that represents important progress and renewed focus in helping to achieve that goal. We will ensure that we are fully involved as it moves forward.
“Whilst our calls for the introduction of Graduated Driving Licences have not been realised, we will continue to push for change, as we know it is a proven system that would unquestionably save lives.”
It comes after the YEP revealed drivers are being urged to prioritise road safety in a bid to prevent injuries and deaths after figures reveal 40 people were killed on the region’s roads in one year.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added: “Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities.
“For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.
“We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence.
“The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.”
The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, which is the highest in Europe alongside Malta.
Under the strategy, this may be reduced to 22 micrograms in England and Wales, bringing those nations into line with Scotland, which cut its drink-drive limit in 2014.
AA president Edmund King described the strategy as a “radical reframing of road safety”, while RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said it “can’t come soon enough” as he particularly welcomed the long-waited reintroduction of casualty reduction targets and the possible use of alcolocks.