New polling shows widespread public support for many of the reported policies being considered by the government in its upcoming Road Safety Strategy – and appetite for further road safety legislation to protect young drivers.
Unveiling the findings at the annual UKROEd/NPCC Roads Policing Conference yesterday (22 October), Paul Steinberg, director of communications and engagement at The Road Safety Trust, said the research demonstrates that the British public are ready for stronger action to make our roads safer.
Commissioned by the Trust and conducted by More in Common, the survey explores public attitudes towards key road safety measures, ahead of the Government’s forthcoming Road Safety Strategy – the first such strategy in a generation.
The majority of Britons support a range of policy measures:
- Four in five (82%) support mandatory eyesight tests for drivers over 70.
- 72% support the introduction of a phased licensing system for new drivers.
- Majorities also back lowering the drink-drive limit (71%), tougher car safety standards (68%), and a ‘Vision Zero’ target of no deaths or serious injuries on the roads (64%).
- 86% of Britons say road safety is an important issue, spanning all ages and political groups.
- 48% think too little is being done to protect young drivers, rising to 58% among parents with children over the age of 16.
Paul Steinberg said: “This research shows that the British public have confidence in evidence-based measures to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads – and want to see them implemented.
“For years, we have understood from experience and evaluation what works to make roads safer. What is new today is clear, nationwide evidence that the public supports those same measures. More in Common’s findings come at an important moment, as the Government prepares to publish its long-awaited National Road Safety Strategy.
“They show a willing public and clear opportunity for action.”
Polling was undertaken by More in Common using an online panel. Fieldwork was carried out between 3 and 6 October 2025. The sample size was 2,003 (nationally representative sample of GB adults).
Alex Newton, deputy director of strategy and development at More in Common, added: “We’re used to working on issues that divide public opinion. Road safety stands out as an issue where there’s a strong level of consensus.
“While support for certain policies varies by age, Britons across generations and voter groups want stronger action to make our roads safer and hold high expectations of the government on this issue.”
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