New proposals to introduce a “maximum driving age” with over-80s likely banned have been blasted by frustrated road users, with some calling the idea “discriminatory”. John Kushnick, legal operations director at National Accident Helpline, has argued that an upper age limit should be introduced to boost road safety.
Responding to the Government’s idea to introduce mandatory eyesight checks after 70, John suggested that tougher measures should be considered. This would include a “maximum driving age” with the threshold to lose a driving licence set in the 80s due to the risk of “health deterioration.”
He said: “Driving fitness should become a routine part of health assessments and everyday culture, with medical changes reported far earlier. A maximum driving age should also be introduced, likely somewhere in the 80s, due to the potential for rapid health deterioration.”
However, the calls have been met by fury from Express readers who suggest the plans could be “ageist”. Express reader @Peter Keen posted: “The idea of making the roads ‘safer’ by removing older drivers from it is fundamentally flawed besides being discriminatory, ageist, and biased.
@rexx said: “Some people are a liability in a vehicle, no matter what their age, others have degenerative problems and should be tested and stopped as they decline, others are able to drive well and safely for many years. Eye tests are compulsory after certain operations, likewise for some medical conditions. A blanket ban based just on age is entirely wrong.”
@Victoria814954 added: “As a 57-year-old, I am thoroughly fed up with this persecution of older drivers.”
A previous study from Carmoola found that as many as 36% of road users 2,000 road users polled believe that there should be an age limit on UK roads. 11% said driving licences should be taken from motorists once they hit 70 with eight percent calling for licences to be revoked from just 60 years of age.
@Fred Hendon claimed those who want road users to lose their licences at a certain age would likely change their opinion later in life. He also stressed that any new rules could have a devastating effect with older individuals possibly unable to access vital services if they couldn’t use the roads.
He remarked: “Those polled who say the over 70s should be banned will change their tune when they get there. Banning drivers over an age, irrespective which, will deprive many in rural areas their connection with the community, for example, shopping, visiting health professionals, visiting family, especially where public transport is.”