UK Government Launches Ambitious Road Safety Strategy to Save Thousands of Lives

The UK has unveiled its first comprehensive road safety strategy in more than a decade, targeting major causes of collisions and aiming to dramatically reduce deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roads.

Launched on 7 January 2026, the plan sets out a goal of cutting fatalities and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, with an even more ambitious 70% reduction target for children under 16.

Every day, roughly four people are killed on Britain’s roads, with thousands more seriously injured. The strategy focuses on tackling drink and drug driving, improving driver training, addressing speeding and seat belt use, and introducing new safety technologies in vehicles.

A key element will be a consultation on lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967. With one in six road deaths in 2023 linked to drink driving, the government is exploring preventative measures such as alcohol interlock devices, which could be required for repeat offenders as a condition of regaining their driving privileges.

Inexperience behind the wheel is also being addressed. Drivers aged 17 to 24 make up just 6% of licence holders but are involved in 24% of fatal and serious collisions. Proposed changes include a minimum 3- to 6-month learning period, allowing young drivers more time to gain experience in challenging conditions, such as night-time driving, heavy traffic, and adverse weather.

For older drivers, the strategy includes proposals for mandatory eyesight testing for those over 70 and potential cognitive testing to ensure road safety for all users. Additional measures will tackle illegal number plates, uninsured driving, and vehicles without a valid MOT.

Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander said: “Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy. This strategy marks a turning point. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers to older motorists, and the measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.”

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood added: “Our vision is clear: people should be able to travel safely, however they choose. No family should have to endure the loss of a loved one on our roads, and this strategy lays out how we will reduce those tragedies.”

Independent road safety campaigner Meera Naran MBE, whose son Dev died in a collision, welcomed the strategy. “I am pleased to see measures being taken to reduce road deaths. I look forward to working with the government to ensure a robust framework is put in place to protect all road users,” she said.

The strategy adopts the internationally recognised Safe System approach, which recognises that human error is inevitable but deaths and serious injuries are preventable. It emphasises that road design, vehicle technology, enforcement, and education must work together to protect all users.

A new Road Safety Investigation Branch will analyse collision data to identify trends and inform prevention strategies. The plan also mandates 18 new vehicle safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance, to ensure all new vehicles meet high safety standards.

Industry experts have welcomed the move. Edmund King OBE, Director of The AA Charitable Trust, said: “This is a radical and long-overdue strategy. It tackles drivers who drive under the influence, those not wearing seatbelts, and those driving without insurance. Road safety should be a lifelong education, not just for learners.”

Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards, highlighted the focus on vulnerable road users. “Young drivers and motorcyclists are among the most at risk, and we are pleased to see policies aimed at improving their safety, along with measures to combat drug driving.”

The strategy also introduces a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter to help employers reduce risks for staff who drive or ride for work. This will cover HGVs, vans, motorcycles, bicycles, and e-cycles, promoting accountability and best practice.

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “This strategy couldn’t come soon enough. On average, four people are killed and 76 seriously injured every day on UK roads. With stronger targets, education, and enforcement, we finally have a chance to make a real difference.”

The success of the plan depends on collaboration across government, local authorities, businesses, emergency services, and the public. If implemented effectively, the strategy could significantly improve road safety and save thousands of lives across the UK.