Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts has welcomed plans for an overhaul of driving laws aimed at drastically reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on Britain’s roads.
The Department for Transport (DfT) unveiled its ambitious Road Safety Strategy earlier this week, pledging to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035 – with an even bigger target of 70% for children aged under 16.
It will consult on plans to lower the drink drive limit in England and Wales – a leading cause of serious and fatal collisions – which has remained unchanged since 1967 and is the highest in Europe, and proposals to introduce mandatory eye tests for older drivers.
It will also gauge support for a new minimum learning period for learner drivers to tackle inexperience behind the wheel. Progressive Driving Licences have already proved effective other countries, including Canada, Australia, Sweden, Norway and New Zealand, where the reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads has been noticeable.
Statistically, young drivers are at greater risk of being killed or seriously injured on our roads – with 20% of new drivers in the UK involved in a crash within the first 12 months of passing their test. Young male drivers are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured, compared with all drivers over 25.
The strategy also sets out plans to explore the use of preventative technology such as alcohol interlock devices and new powers to suspend driving licences for those suspected of drink or drug driving offences. This could mean some suspected drink drive offenders could be required to have one of these devices fitted to their vehicle as a condition of receiving their licence again to prevent further tragedies.
Derby and Derbyshire residents have long highlighted speeding as a priority they want to see addressed. The Commissioner responded by including it as part of the ASB and Community Safety priority in her Police and Crime Plan.
Commenting on the proposals, Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: “As a strategic partner who sits on the Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership Board I am committed to working in partnership to promote safety on our roads and reduce harm.
“I am pleased the Government recognises that urgent action is needed and is especially committed to combatting drink and drug driving which is at epidemic levels nationally.
“However, this strategy is just the start – we can and need to do much more. There is mounting support for a progressive licensing system that provides further safeguards for learner and newly qualified drivers including same-age passenger limits and night-time driving restrictions. Protecting young drivers from high-risk situations too soon will give them more time to adjust and build their experience. This is already working in other countries where fatalities have fallen.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility and these important changes – including mandatory eye tests for those over 70 which are already free on the NHS – are part of a whole-system approach designed to save lives and increase confidence on our roads. It is down to each one of us to become a willing participant in the solution.
“But this is an ambitious strategy, and sustained funding is vital to its success, especially in the context of enforcement. Ongoing investment will be critical to delivering the wholesale change promised through this blueprint – but I am confident it will save lives.”
