8. Legislation

General

8.1 Education:

Road Safety education could be included in the Curriculum for Excellence to ensure that high quality road safety information is shared at the earliest stages

8.2 Fitness to Drive:

Police Scotland, DVLA and relevant health professionals should discuss and evaluate the processes currently in place regarding licence revoking and subsequent enforcement; D751 form processing and DVLA medical assessments to ensure they are all fit for purpose

The introduction of mandatory reporting requirements for relevant medical professionals should be considered. Further research and discussions required with bodies including the DVLA, Royal College of General Practitioners and the General Medical Council around the benefits and challenges.

8.3 Seatbelts – Penalties:

Not wearing a seatbelt should be made an endorsable offence and the current financial penalties should be increased. This may act as a further deterrent, particularly for younger drivers who will lose their licence if they reach six or more penalty points within two years of passing their test.

8.4 Driving Standards:

Enhanced hazard perception training for drivers, directed particularly at the risk posed to Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), should be incorporated into any discussions around altering and improving driver training standards.

Younger Drivers

8.5 Driving Offences – Young Drivers:

Further engagement is required with young drivers to identify more effective ways to engage with this cohort and assist in developing effective preventative measures. When a young driver is convicted of a road traffic offence, a sentencing condition could be participation in a national working group where they are able to share thoughts and experiences. Discussion will be required with COPFS.

8.6 Restrictions – Young Drivers:

In light of the number of younger passenger fatalities in collisions involving younger drivers, consideration should be given to a Graduated Driver Licensing system that could place restrictions on driving times/number of passengers/zero tolerance approach to alcohol for new drivers.

Older Drivers

8.7 Fit to Drive Assessment – Wider social Consideration for Older Road Users:

The introduction of a form of cognitive assessment when licence renewal is required at 70 (and at agreed intervals thereafter) should be considered. Further research and review will be required. However, it should be noted such an assessment would undoubtedly lead to a reduction in older drivers and, therefore, lead to an increase in older pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users. It is imperative, therefore, that appropriate measures be put in place to ensure fatalities amongst these groups do not increase and that suitable, fit-for-purpose public transport infrastructure is available.

8.8 Eyesight Requirements – Older Road Users:

The introduction of mandatory reporting requirements for relevant eyesight professionals should be considered. Further research and discussions required with bodies including the DVLA, Royal College of Ophthalmologists and College of Optometrists around the benefits and challenges.

The introduction of mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers should be considered.

The processes and forms currently used for Group 2 licence renewals could be utilised and adapted to develop similar robust practices for older drivers.

Motorcyclists

8.9 Rider Standards – Motorcyclists:

Working in conjunction with the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency and DVLA, the potential impact of the introduction of a minimum period of learning and a requirement to demonstrate experience in different driving conditions via log books for motorcyclists should be further researched and reviewed