Rachel Reeves has been urged to address the issue of elderly drivers on UK roads in the upcoming Budget which could result in new restrictions being introduced.
It comes after growing calls for the new Labour Government to take steps to save lives and reduce the impact of road traffic collisions.
Road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart has proposed a scheme that would allow GPs to prescribe mature driver assessments for older motorists.
It comes after data from the Department for Transport showed an increase in fatalities and serious injuries among drivers over 70, with the risk accelerating for those over 80.
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Once a driver turns 70, they will need to renew their licence every three years GETTYIAM RoadSmart has proposed an £8.5million pilot scheme to assess up to 100,000 older drivers. The initiative aims to address the growing concern over road safety as the UK’s population ages.
Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, said: “We’re concerned there’s nothing formally in place to help older drivers who want to keep their driving in check, and moreover, no process for GPs to be able to refer an older driver who they have serious concerns over their ability to drive.”
The charity suggested that standardised mature driver assessments, costing £85 each, could make a significant difference in identifying unsafe drivers and providing reassurance to those still fit to drive.
This proposal comes as part of a broader set of recommendations to the Chancellor for the Autumn Budget, aimed at improving road safety and reducing costs for motorists.
Currently, drivers over 70 must renew their licence every three years to remain legally on the roads. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including fines of up to £1,000 and penalty points.
Age UK has previously warned elderly drivers that if their licence expires and the driver fails to apply for a new one, “you won’t legally be allowed to drive”.
The Older Drivers Forum added: “If you carry on driving, your driving licence and motor insurance would not be valid, and you would be committing a serious offence which carries stringent penalties.”
Driving without a valid licence could also invalidate insurance agreements, potentially leading to higher fines of up to £5,000. Renewal is free for over-70s and can be done online or by post through official DVLA channels.
IAM RoadSmart’s proposals extend beyond addressing concerns about older drivers. The charity is calling for a range of measures to improve road safety and reduce costs for motorists.
These include cancelling Insurance Premium Tax for drivers who undertake additional training, potentially saving young drivers thousands of pounds on insurance premiums.
The organisation also recommended reducing VAT on motorcycle air vests to protect vulnerable road users who would be more likely to purchase cheaper vests.
Additionally, IAM RoadSmart urged the Chancellor to freeze fuel duty, maintaining the current 5p cut introduced in 2022.
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Lyes stated: “Hard-done-by motorists will find any increase in fuel duty a bitter pill to swallow, given that they’re already being drained by hefty insurance premiums, not to mention higher repair costs after driving through the country’s crater-ridden roads.”