Drivers aged 70 and over will be required to undergo compulsory eyesight assessments and could face cognitive checks under a major road safety overhaul planned by the Labour government.
End of Self-Reporting for Older Motorists
The forthcoming Road Safety Strategy, set for publication this Wednesday, will introduce mandatory eye tests for all motorists over the age of 70. This move signals the end of the current system where drivers self-report their fitness to drive to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). According to reports, the new rules will be rigorously enforced.
The proposed changes would require drivers in this age group to have their vision professionally checked every three years. The strategy also opens the door to the potential introduction of regular cognitive tests for elderly road users, aiming to address concerns that the existing framework is open to abuse.
Road Safety Data and Expert Backing
The initiative follows warnings from coroners and is supported by road safety data. Edmund King, the president of the AA, welcomed the focus on older drivers' eyesight. He highlighted that crash likelihood increases after age 70 and rises markedly after 80, peaking around age 86, with deteriorating vision often a key factor.
"Eye tests are free for people over the age of 60 anyway," Mr King noted, "and healthcare professionals advise them every two years given they can help with diagnosis of other underlying conditions."
Balancing Safety with Independence
Lilian Greenwood, the Labour MP and Local Transport Minister, emphasised the need to balance safety with personal freedom. "We know driving can be very important for older people’s wellbeing and help them to live independently," she stated, "but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads."
She added that the government's plans are designed to preserve personal freedoms where possible while taking decisive action to save lives, especially as the UK's older population continues to grow.
In broader comments on road safety, Mr King also endorsed elements of graduated driving licences for new drivers, citing successful policies in countries like Canada and Australia. He suggested that limiting same-age passengers for new drivers for an initial period was a "very small inconvenience but would save lives."
