4 days ago
T&A readers have say on plans to bring in mandatory eye tests for older drivers
TELEGRAPH & Argus readers have been having their say after it emerged motorists aged over 70 could be banned from the roads if they fail compulsory eye tests.
Ministers are considering the idea as part of a proposed radical shake-up of driving laws in Great Britain to tackle road deaths and injuries.
Plans also include reducing the drink-driving limit in both England and Wales to be in line with Scotland's laws, and giving people points on their licence for not wearing a seatbelt.
The proposed changes are expected to be included in a new road safety strategy set to be published by the Government in the autumn.
On Facebook, the T&A asked readers for their views on the plans to introduce mandatory eye tests for older drivers.
Diana Jacobs said: "I believe everyone should have a mandatory eye test if driving, no matter the age."
Michael Ellison said: "Most 70-year-olds drive safer than all young lads now."
Katherine Spivey commented: "Obviously everyone who drives should have good eyesight but they should also drive carefully - and it's mostly the younger drivers who are reckless."
Doug Cornell said: "It is a good idea. I myself am 70+. I still drive and consider myself a safe driver. I do have annual medical check-ups each year and an eye test alternative years and I am told I am fine to drive. If ever I was told otherwise, I would reluctantly give up."
Carole Lloyd said: "It seems like age discrimination to me. Why single out one particular age group. All drivers should have to be tested every two years."
Brenda Baxter said: "Of course, if they can't pass an eye test, they shouldn't be on the road."
Bradford Freelancer added: "My grandfather drove until his death at 92. He started driving when he was 23, when he joined the army, and only had one accident in the 69 years he was behind the wheel. That was when he was 86, and it was caused by a 19-year-old who had had his licence for eight days. Age isn't the issue, it's how you drive."
A Labour source said: "At the end of the last Labour Government, the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads was at a record low, but numbers have remained stubbornly high under successive Conservative governments.
"In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2 billion per year."
