Motoring experts have called for a new “maximum driving age” with individuals pulled off the road when they hit a certain birthday.
Older drivers could soon be faced with a maximum age limit to stay on the road (Image: Getty)
Experts have suggested that a new “maximum driving age” should be considered, with motorists forced to get off the roads past a certain age. The UK has no hard rule over when road users have to give up their driving licence, instead relying on individuals to give up their photocard when they no longer feel safe.
Labour is understood to be looking into a crackdown on road rules, including the introduction of mandatory eyesight testing for over 70s. However, officials are not believed to be looking into a maximum cut-off point for licences, with campaigners believing this was the best way forward. John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director at National Accident Helpline,has hinted that a cut-off should come into effect “somewhere in the 80s” which could be a major blow for many older individuals.
Currently, there is no maximum cut-off in the UK (Image: Getty)
John 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.”
A stunning poll from motoring experts at Carmoola has previously suggested as many as one-third of Britons would back a new maximum driving age rule.
The survey of 2,000 motorists, conducted last Autumn, found that 36% believe there should be a maximum age limit to stay on the roads. A closer look at the findings revealed 11% of motorists were in favour of a maximum ban once road users hit the age of 70.
However, there was some support for an even lower limit, with 8% suggesting the cut-off should be set at 60 years old. Amazingly, as many as 5% of respondents feel the maximum age to stay on the roads should be just 50 years old.
Previous data has revealed that millions of road users are still on the road later in life, despite concerns over health deterioration as individuals age. Data from the DLA found that as many as 5.6million older drivers above 70 were still on the road in 2020.
Compare the Market explained: “No, there’s currently no upper age limit for driving in the UK. You can continue to drive into your 70s, 80s and even 90s – and beyond – so long as you don’t have medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely and you’re not currently disqualified.”
