The UK government has launched a major new road safety initiative, setting an ambitious target to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads by 65% by the year 2035. The strategy, published by the Department for Transport, contains several significant proposals, many of which are now open for public consultation.
Controversial Proposal to Lower Drink-Drive Limit
Perhaps the most contentious element of the plan is the proposal to cut the legal drink-drive limit in England and Wales. The current limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath has remained unchanged since 1967 and is the highest in Europe. The government is considering reducing it to 22 micrograms, bringing it into line with the limit that has been in force in Scotland since 2014.
This potential change has sparked immediate criticism, particularly from the right-wing press and the hospitality sector. Publications like The Telegraph and The Sun have framed it as a direct threat to the survival of rural pubs, which they argue are already facing immense challenges.
Government Defends Evidence-Based Approach
Transport Minister Lillian Greenwood has robustly defended the proposals, rejecting claims that a lower limit would force pubs to close. In media interviews, she pointed to evidence from studies conducted by the University of Stirling and the University of Bath following Scotland's limit reduction in 2014.
"The evidence... is that that didn't have a significant impact on the pub trade. They didn't suffer as a result of that," Greenwood stated on Times Radio. She emphasised that the policy was evidence-led, developed after consulting road safety experts both in the UK and internationally.
Greenwood suggested alternatives for pub-goers, including using public transport, taxis, or designating a driver. She also highlighted the growing range of low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks now available, allowing people to enjoy a visit to the pub without driving under the influence.
A Broader Strategy for Safer Roads
While the drink-drive proposal has captured headlines, the government's road safety strategy is a comprehensive document containing multiple measures aimed at drastically reducing casualties. The full details of the strategy were due for publication this morning, following an overnight briefing.
The announcement comes on a busy political day at Westminster, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also preparing to face his first Prime Minister's Questions of 2026, likely to be dominated by international concerns over former US President Donald Trump's threats regarding Greenland.
However, the government is keen to stress that domestic policy-making must continue alongside managing global crises. The road safety consultation will now proceed, with the final measures subject to potential revision based on public and stakeholder feedback.
