Four in five Britons believe older drivers should undergo regular eyesight tests, according to new research revealing widespread public support for tougher road safety measures across the UK.

Polling by More in Common for the Road Safety Trust, published on Thursday 15 October, found that 81% support eyesight checks every three years for motorists aged 70 and over, including 85% of people aged over 75.

The findings suggest considerable public backing for changes proposed in the UK Government’s National Road Safety Strategy, introduced in January.

Researchers examined attitudes towards six major road safety measures, with every proposal receiving majority support across the people surveyed.

Alongside eyesight testing, 71% support introducing a phased licensing system for newly qualified drivers, which could restrict late night driving or carrying young passengers.

Another 66% favour a minimum learning period of three to six months between passing the theory test and taking the practical driving examination.

Concern about younger motorists remains significant, with 45% believing too little is being done to reduce the risks they face on Britain’s roads.

However, younger drivers themselves are less enthusiastic about some proposals.

While 91% of people aged over 75 support phased licensing, that figure falls to 49% among those aged between 18 and 24.

The research also reveals strong backing for tougher action against drink and drug driving.

Almost three quarters of respondents, 73%, support temporarily suspending a driver’s licence before conviction following a failed roadside alcohol or drug test.

Just 6% oppose the measure, while support remains strong among both regular drivers and those who do not drive.

Another 64% favour lowering the drink driving limit in England and Wales from 80mg to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, bringing it into line with Scotland’s existing limit.

The same proportion support requiring safety technology, including intelligent speed assistance, in all new cars.

Perhaps surprisingly, half of those surveyed believe road deaths have increased over the past five years, despite official figures showing modest annual reductions since 2022.

Only 7% correctly believe the number of fatalities has fallen.

Public concern about drug driving appears more closely aligned with the evidence, with 61% believing deaths involving drug impaired motorists have risen.

Official figures from 2023 showed that deaths linked to drug impaired driving had more than doubled over the preceding decade.

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.”

Louis O’Geran, External Affairs Manager at More in Common, said:

“This research shows that the public are attuned to the dangers of driving on our roads, three in five correctly identified that drug-driving deaths have risen in recent years and there’s an appetite for tough measures to improve road safety.”

The findings were presented at the annual UKROEd and National Police Chiefs’ Council Roads Policing Conference.

With the government preparing to implement its road safety strategy, the research suggests that measures sometimes portrayed as unpopular restrictions on motorists may command considerably more public support than expected.