The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) has submitted responses to a number of Department for Transport (DfT) consultations that will help inform policy direction as part of the DfT’s Road Safety Strategy.

The consultations cover a wide range of topics, including changes to motoring offences, mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers, minimum learning period for learner drivers, and mandating vehicle safety technologies. These consultations were published as part of the Department for Transport’s Road Safety Strategy earlier in the year.

The Department for Transport road safety strategy is available to read here.

All of these submissions reflect CIHT’s evidence‑led approach to supporting the reduction of deaths and serious injuries on the highways network.

CIHT’s responses emphasise the need for a comprehensive, whole‑system approach to road safety that combines safer vehicles, safer drivers, and effective enforcement, underpinned by clear communication and public understanding.

Safer drivers – minimum period of learning and eyesight verification

In response to the consultation on introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers, CIHT supported stronger pre‑test requirements for all learner drivers, regardless of age.

CIHT highlighted the disproportionate collision risk faced by newly qualified drivers and stressed that improving safety requires more than simply waiting longer between tests. The response emphasised the importance of meaningful driving experience, specialist input into learning requirements, and avoiding unintended consequences for less affluent learners.

CIHT also supported mandatory learning elements such as structured syllabuses and logbooks, if designed with evidence and equity in mind.

Safer drivers – eyesight verification

CIHT also responded to proposals on mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70. While recognising the sensitivity of the issue, CIHT is supportive of mandatory eyesight testing, assessed at each 10-year licence renewal, noting that deterioration of vision can often go unnoticed. CIHT highlights the wider health benefits of mandatory eyesight testing, whilst stressing that experts should guide testing frequency and scope.

Safer vehicles – technology that works in practice

In responding to proposals to mandate vehicle safety technologies in GB type approval, CIHT supports the use of advanced safety systems where evidence shows they reduce risk, particularly in collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists.

However, CIHT cautioned that inconsistent design and behaviour of driver assistance systems across vehicle manufacturers can undermine driver trust and lead to systems being misunderstood or switched off. The response stresses that consistency, reliability, and public understanding are critical if mandated technologies are to deliver real‑world safety benefits.

Safer roads and enforcement – strengthening deterrence

CIHT’s response to proposed changes to motoring offences and penalties supported measures that improve deterrence and reflect the seriousness of high‑risk behaviours.

Key points included:

·        support for lowering the drink‑drive limit to align with Scotland

·        stronger action for novice drivers, increased penalties for failure to stop

·        the use of vehicle seizure and alcohol interlocks where appropriate.

CIHT emphasised that enforcement measures must be evidence‑based and focus on behaviours most strongly linked to serious harm.

The consultation on proposals to incorporate a series of vehicle safety technologies into the GB type approval scheme is available to read here.

CIHT Response

The consultation on changes to current motoring offences and the potential introduction of other offences is available to read here.

CIHT Response

The consultation on the proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers in Great Britain. is available to read here.

CIHT Response

The consultation on proposals to introduce mandatory requirements that learner drivers must meet before taking a practical driving test for a category B licence is available to read here.

CIHT looks forward to continuing to work with the UK Governments, Department for Transport, and other stakeholders to help realise the potential of the Road Safety Strategy, delivering sustained reductions in deaths and casualties whilst supporting safe, inclusive and sustainable transport networks.