Government unveils major driving rule proposals - what it could mean for local drivers

The UK government has revealed a wide-ranging road safety strategy aimed at cutting road deaths and serious injuries by up to 65 per cent by 2035, and it includes several proposed changes that could affect drivers across Staffordshire and beyond.

The strategy - the first of its kind in over a decade - sets out proposals for stricter drink-drive limits, new tests and requirements for older and novice drivers, changes to learner driver training, and stronger enforcement on drug-related driving offences.

Proposed changes at a glance

Here’s a snapshot of the key proposals being discussed:

• Lower drink-driving limits: Ministers are consulting on reducing the legal alcohol limit for drivers in England and Wales to bring it closer to Scotland’s lower standard - potentially around 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath. This could make even a single pint enough to put some drivers over the legal limit.

• Stricter novice rules: Newly-qualified drivers may face even tighter limits on alcohol and additional training requirements. Some proposals include mandatory minimum learning periods before taking a driving test.

• Mandatory vision tests for older drivers: Drivers aged 70 and over could be required to undergo eye tests every three years when renewing their licence, moving away from the current system where health self-reporting is relied on.

• Increased drug driving enforcement: Police could be given expanded powers to suspend licences based on roadside drug tests and pursue convictions using improved testing technologies.

• Other enforcement and safety measures: Proposals include doubling fines for uninsured drivers, giving penalty points for not wearing seatbelts, and encouraging advanced vehicle safety tech such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Together, these proposals form the backbone of a strategy designed to modernise Britain’s approach to road safety, particularly as other European countries have made faster progress in reducing accidents and fatalities.

What it could mean for local drivers

For people who drive in and around Stafford, Cannock, Lichfield, Stoke, or Telford, these consultations could signal some of the biggest changes to UK driving laws in decades:

• Novice drivers and young motorists could see longer learning periods and stricter limits on alcohol - changing how quickly new drivers move from lessons to test.

• Older drivers may need to prove their vision meets legal standards more regularly if mandatory eyesight checks are introduced.

• All drivers could face tougher crackdowns on drink- and drug-driving enforcement, including new powers for police at the roadside.

These changes are not yet law - ministers have launched consultations to gather feedback and consider responses from motoring groups, safety charities and the public. However, the proposals make clear that the government intends to move ahead with reforms aimed at saving thousands of lives and improving road safety nationally.

Why now?

Transport officials say the current approach to road safety has not delivered sufficient progress in recent years, and that a comprehensive, data-driven strategy is needed to tackle persistent causes of road injuries and deaths.

Supporters of the reforms argue that aligning UK laws with those in much of Europe - including stricter alcohol limits and more rigorous testing standards - will protect vulnerable road users and help reduce avoidable tragedies.

Critics caution that some measures, such as imposing lower alcohol levels or regular eyesight testing, could have unintended consequences unless accompanied by clear guidance and support for drivers navigating the changes.

What happens next

The government will now begin formal consultations on many of the proposals, giving organisations and members of the public the opportunity to share their views before any final decisions are made.

Any changes that do go ahead will be subject to Parliamentary approval and further detail on implementation and timing is expected in the coming months.