A new poll by More in Common, conducted on behalf of The Road Safety Trust, has revealed that the majority support for many key elements of the Government’s National Road Safety Strategy, from eyesight tests for older drivers to minimum learning periods for new ones.

The findings were unveiled today at the annual UKROEd/NPCC Roads Policing Conference.

The survey was conducted almost 12 months after a similar Trust-commissioned survey which explored public attitudes towards key road safety measures.

That first survey was conducted prior to the Government releasing its National Road Safety Strategy in January. This latest polling indicates that there is significant public support for many of its proposed safety measures and policy changes.

Key findings

• Four in five (81 per cent) support eyesight tests every three years for drivers aged 70 and over, including 85 per cent of over-75s.
• 73 per cent support suspending a driver’s licence before conviction after a failed roadside drink or drug test. Just six per cent are opposed.
• 45 per cent say too little is being done to reduce the risks for young drivers, broadly in line with last year (48 per cent).
• Half of Britons think road deaths have risen over the last five years. Only seven per cent think they have fallen, though official figures show deaths have dropped 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.”

Key elements of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy are popular with the public.

All six road safety measures tested received clear majority public support, including several proposals in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.

Eyesight tests every three years for drivers aged 70 and over are the most popular (81 per cent support, six per cent oppose). Support holds among older people themselves: 85 per cent of those aged 75 and over back the policy.

71 per cent back a phased licensing system for new drivers, with restrictions such as limits on late-night driving or carrying young passengers. Two-thirds (66 per cent) support a minimum learning period of three to six months between the theory and practical tests.

Around six in ten back requiring safety technology, such as intelligent speed assistance, in all new cars (64 per cent), lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales from 80mg to 50mg (64 per cent), and a national ‘Vision Zero’ goal of no deaths or serious injuries on Britain’s roads (62 per cent).

Support for these policies spans across voter groups. No measure falls below 57 per cent support among any group of 2024 voters.

Click HERE to read the full report/