THE Government’s Road Safety Strategy has just been published, pledging to save thousands of lives on the nation’s roads by tackling drink driving, improving training for young drivers, and introducing mandatory eye tests for older motorists.

The strategy sets out an ambitious plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65 per cent by 2035, with an even more stretching target of 70 per cent for children under 16 years. It also includes plans on lowering the drink drive limit and mandatory eye tests for older motorists and tougher penalties for failing to wear a seatbelt.

With road safety a key priority for West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion has broadly welcomed the proposals.

Mr Campion points out that between January and October 2025, there were 559 casualties or fatalities on West Mercia’s roads. Of these 67involved a driver aged 70 or over (12 per cent) and 100 incidents involved young drivers aged 17 to 24, with speeding, behaviour and inexperience identified as major contributing factors.

Mr Campion said: “Road safety is consistently raised with me as the number one concern for local communities. One life lost on our roads is one too many, and by working closely with organisations like RoadPeace I hear too often the impact this harm has on loved ones.

“That’s why I welcome any steps that help make West Mercia’s roads safer. It is disappointing, however, that this strategy has only now been published after multiple delays by the Government. There is no time to waste when lives are at risk.

“National strategies like this underline the vital role in police and crime commissioners in driving local action and supports my ongoing efforts alongside West Mercia Police and our local authority partners.”