A leading road safety expert has spoken of a “missed opportunity” following the Budget as Labour failed to implement measures to ensure elderly drivers are safe on the road.
Earlier this week, Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled Labour’s first Autumn Statement in almost 15 years, making sweeping changes to address a £22billion funding black hole.
As part of the changes, the MP for Leeds West and Pudsey surprised motorists with a freeze on the rate of fuel duty, £500million in additional funding for potholes and changes to car tax rates.
Despite the provisions for British drivers, not everyone was happy. One road safety expert lamented the fact that the Chancellor ignored measures to improve the quality of motoring.
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The road safety charity suggested that a pilot scheme for 100,000 people would cost just £8.5million
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Prior to the Budget, road safety charity IAM RoadSmart called on the Chancellor to incentivise the uptake of additional safety courses through the tax system.
This would have involved an initial pilot of mature driver assessments to take place for elderly drivers, especially those over the age of 80.
Data from the Department for Transport shows that the number of people that are killed or seriously injured rises over the age of 70, with an accelerated rate when people reach 80.
IAM RoadSmart suggested an initial pilot scheme of driving assessments for 100,000 drivers. The cost of a standardised mature assessment is £85, meaning it would cost the Government £8.5million.
Speaking prior to the Budget, Nicholas Lyes, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and standards, said the changes should be made, especially as the number of ageing licence holders increases.
He added that the assessments could make a “huge difference” and would encourage unsafe motorists to stay away from roads or give reassurance to those who may be less confident, but still safe.
However, Rachel Reeves did not include anything in the Budget that could have improved road safety, especially for older drivers.
Lyes said: “We’re disappointed the Chancellor has missed this opportunity to provide support and peace of mind for older drivers in her Budget.
“Our plan for optional, free driving assessments for over-70s would have the benefit of boosting the confidence of older drivers and a potentially positive impact on reducing collisions on our roads.”
IAM RoadSmart runs a mature driver review, at a cost of £85, which sees an expert ask the motorist to drive a familiar route so any advice given is tailored to their local area and driving style.
After the review, they will receive verbal and written feedback about their performance to take away, with the aim of drivers refining their skills.
There are no formal rules about when drivers need to stop driving because of their age, although there are some more discreet measures affecting older people.
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Elderly drivers are required to renew their licence every three years once they turn 70
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From the age of 70, Britons need to renew their driving licence every three years, rather than every 10 years for all other age groups.
This is done to ensure that people behind the wheel are safe at all times, with drivers being encouraged to speak with their loved ones about their driving ability as they get older.