OLDER drivers will face mandatory eye tests in a government overhaul of road safety laws unveiled today.

Motoring experts have hailed the government’s plans, including a tougher drink-drive limit.

The proposals are set to be published as part of a road safety strategy in the autumn, and also include tougher penalties for uninsured driving and failing to wear a seatbelt.

In 2024, 1,633 people were killed and almost 28,000 seriously injured in traffic incidents, and numbers have remained relatively constant following a large fall between 2000 and 2010.

A Labour source said: “In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2 billion per year.”

Under the plans being considered by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, the drink-drive limit in England and Wales could be cut from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms.

This figure would be in line with Scotland, which cut its limit in 2014, and the rest of Europe.

Ministers are now considering compulsory eye tests every three years for drivers aged over 70 and a driving ban for those who fail.

Britain is one of only three European countries to rely on self-reporting of eyesight problems that affect driving.

AA president Edmund King said: “We believe these new measures will not only modernise our approach to saving lives but also provide renewed momentum in making our roads safer for everyone.”

IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards Nicholas Lyes said: “While many drivers over the age of 70 are safe and competent, health issues and confidence can have an impact on driving abilities.”

Mr Lyes also supported reducing the drink-drive limit, but warned this would require significantly more backing for roads policing teams to enforce the new laws.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Data for Scotland suggests merely reducing the legal drink-drive limit isn’t enough.

“A significant number of drink-drive offences are committed by reoffenders, so tackling the risk associated with habitual drink-drivers is crucial.

“Motorists we’ve surveyed are supportive of repeat offenders having to have alcohol locks fitted to their vehicles to stop them driving over the limit.”