The government has today announced new proposals that aim to lower the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the roads.

These changes will only apply to England and Wales.

In my opinion there are two headline announcements in this strategy which I think are fair.

Drivers over the age of 70 will have to have their vision checked every three years. Obviously one of the key elements to safe driving is vision and therefore it is vital those who are driving definitely have the correct eyesight to do so. Whilst NHS eye tests are free for over-60s across the UK, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are using that service – no one needs to provide proof of eyesight.

As eyesight gets worse with age, it shouldn’t be a big problem to tell those who are operating a vehicle that could kill someone to take an eye test.

Stricter drink driving limits will be brought in. The alcohol limit will be lowered for leaner and recently qualified drivers, from 80mg per 100ml of blood to around 20mg. For all other drivers, the level would be lowered to 50mg.

They also propose a new requirement for some drink-drive offenders to have devices installed in vehicles which prevent a vehicle being started or driven unless the driver passes a breath test.

Anything stricter on drink-driving limits is always a good sign. I actually believe there should be a almost zero tolerance on it – obviously there needs to be some tolerance for foods which may include alcohol. There should be no reason to drink and drive. It’s the argument that everyone’s bodies handles alcohol differently. It’s definitely better to be safe than sorry.

The policy that I really disagree with is the learning period for learners. They could implement a minimum learning period of up to six months between the theory and practical test. As someone who passed their driving test six weeks after my 17th birthday, I think this is another step to restrict young people of what they can do and another restriction to drivers. It brings freedom more than anything else.

Learners can’t pass their tests if they are unsafe to drive. We need to stop restricting the ability of drive in this country to those who can. There are now too many average speed cameras, lower speed limits and price rises elsewhere for drivers. This has a massive impact on those in rural communities where public transport is not an option as a replacement to driving.

We will need to see what the public consultation says. The stricter limits on drink driving and eye tests for over 70s is a positive, but the minimum period for learners is worrying.