The UK currently has no hard rule over when road users have to give up their driving licences
Experts have proposed that a new “maximum driving age” should be introduced, with drivers forced to surrender their licences beyond a specific age. The UK currently has no strict regulation regarding when road users must relinquish their driving licence, instead depending on people to voluntarily surrender their photocard when they no longer feel confident.
Labour is reportedly examining a clampdown on road regulations, including bringing in compulsory eyesight checks for those over 70. However, officials are not thought to be considering a maximum cut-off point for licences, with campaigners believing this represented the optimal approach.
John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director at National Accident Helpline, has suggested that a cut-off should be implemented “somewhere in the 80s” which could prove a significant setback for many elderly Brits.
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 poll from motoring specialists at Carmoola has previously indicated that as many as one-third of Brits would support a new maximum driving age regulation, reports the Express.
The survey of 2,000 drivers, carried out last Autumn, discovered that 36% believe there should be a maximum age limit to remain on the roads. A detailed examination of the results showed 11% of motorists favoured a maximum ban once road users reach the age of 70.
However, a small percentage of people were in favour of an even lower limit, with 8% suggesting the cut-off should be set at 60 years old. As many as 5% of those surveyed believe the maximum age to remain on the roads should be just 50 years old.
Past data has shown that millions of motorists continue to drive later in life, despite worries about health decline as they get older. Figures from the DLA revealed that as many as 5.6 million drivers over the age of 70 were still on the road in 2020.
Compare the Market said: “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.”