UMVA Uncovers: Millions of UK Drivers Face Mandatory Retesting in Shocking New Government Power Grab
If approved, the cognitive tests would be mandatory for over-70s, although further details are yet to be revealed.
A consultation on the road safety measures ended yesterday, with ministers now looking into the responses before the next steps.
What has the reaction been?
Edmund King, the president of AA, said previously: ‘It is important that the Road Safety Review covers eyesight tests. The AA advises all drivers to have an eye test every two years, and we welcome mandatory eye tests for older drivers.
‘The likelihood of crashes increases once someone is over the age of 70 and markedly rises for those above the age of 80 to a peak at age 86, with eyesight often a worrying factor.
‘Eye tests are free for people over the age of 60, and healthcare professionals advise them every two years, given they can help with diagnosis of other underlying conditions.’
A Department for Transport spokesperson toldMetro: ‘We know driving can be very important for older people’s wellbeing and helps them to live independently, but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads.
‘As the country’s older population grows, our plans in the first Road Safety Strategy in more than a decade, will preserve personal freedoms where possible with action to save lives.’
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