Political opinion: Alex Ballinger MP welcomes first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade

Last year alone four people on average died every day on England’s roads, with thousands more seriously injured each year. These tragedies are preventable. The new strategy sets out bold measures to tackle the root causes of road collisions, harness new technology, and ensure enforcement keeps pace with modern risks.

The reforms will:

• Introduce tougher action on drink and drug driving, including consulting on lowering the drink-drive limit

• Mandate cutting-edge safety technologies in new vehicles

• Improve driver training and testing, including a proposed minimum learning period for learner drivers

• Update speed limit guidance and invest in safer road design

• Establish a new Road Safety Investigation Branch to learn from collisions and prevent future harm

The strategy also commits to a 65% reduction in deaths and serious injuries on GB roads by 2035, and a 70% reduction for children, using a 2022–2024 baseline.

Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: “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."

Alex Ballinger MP said: "I’m proud to welcome the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy - a landmark step that reflects the values of our community. These reforms will save lives, protect vulnerable road users, and ensure the high standards of safety that local people expect." 

The Road Safety Strategy sets out how the government will deliver: 

Supporting road users by: 

• Consulting on a minimum learning period for learner drivers

• Introducing mandatory eyesight tests for drivers over 70

• Reforming motorcycle training and licensing

• Publishing national guidance on road safety education and a Lifelong Learning manual

Harnessing technology and innovation by: 

• Mandating 18 new vehicle safety technologies

• Establishing a Road Safety Investigation Branch

• Linking collision and healthcare data for better prevention

Ensuring infrastructure is safe by: 

• Updating speed limit guidance and the Manual for Streets

• Supporting rural road safety pilots and PRIME trials for motorcyclists

• Investing £24 billion to maintain and improve roads

Robust enforcement by: 

• Consulting on lowering drink-drive limits

• Introducing penalty points for not wearing seat belts

• Tackling illegal number plates and uninsured driving

• Launching a new Roads Policing Innovation Programme

The government will work with local authorities, police, and industry to deliver these reforms by 2035.