Public support is high for a range of tougher road safety measures, according to polling commissioned by The Road Safety Trust and conducted by More in Common.
The findings, published on 15 October at the annual UKROEd/NPCC Roads Policing Conference, show that 81% of respondents back compulsory eyesight tests every three years for drivers aged 70 and over. Support rises to 85% among those aged 75 and above.
Some 73% support suspending a driving licence before conviction after a failed roadside drink or drug test, with 6% opposed. A further 71% back a phased licensing system for new drivers, which could include restrictions on late-night driving or carrying young passengers.
Support for national measures
Two-thirds of respondents support a minimum learning period of between three and six months between theory and practical driving tests.
About six in ten favour requiring safety technology, including intelligent speed assistance, in all new cars. Similar levels support reducing the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 80mg to 50mg, and adopting a national Vision Zero target of no deaths or serious injuries on Britain’s roads.
The Road Safety Trust said support crossed voter groups, with none of the policies tested receiving less than 57% support among any group of 2024 voters.
However, 45% of respondents said too little was being done to reduce risks for young drivers. That was broadly unchanged from 48% in the previous year’s poll.
Half of those surveyed believed road deaths had increased over the past five years, while 7% thought they had fallen. The Trust noted that official figures show deaths have decreased slightly each year since 2022.
Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “Progress on reducing the number of those killed or seriously injured on our roads has plateaued for too long, and the introduction of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy has been a welcome and important step towards a renewed focus on road safety at national level.
“These findings indicate an appetite for bold action and robust road safety measures which have the potential to save many lives on our roads. I hope it gives leaders the confidence that their decisions will be supported by a willing public.”