Commissioner’s response to new road safety proposals

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:

“Ensuring our roads are safe for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists of all ages is an important priority, and conversations about how safety could be improved are to be welcomed.

“However, it is disappointing that older drivers once again find themselves at the centre of these conversations, with suggestions that everyone aged 70+ should now be subject to mandatory, ongoing eye tests in order to keep their driving licences.

“People’s health, eyesight and driving skills do not suddenly change once they turn 70, despite what is implied by this proposed policy, and far from being ‘dangerous’, as is often suggested, older drivers are amongst the safest on the road.

“Introducing such a policy would create barriers for older drivers wishing to renew their licences or discourage perfectly capable drivers from doing so, impacting on people’s freedom and independence, as well as their opportunities to work, volunteer, or provide care and support, particularly in areas where suitable public transport options are lacking.

“Further pressures would also be placed on health and other services – due to increased demand for practical services such as eye tests, as well as the need for new systems, information and support – at a time when they are already struggling.

“Rather than a policy that marks out older drivers as a ‘group apart’ and reinforces ageist narratives about older people’s driving skills, there needs to be greater recognition that issues relating to our health and/or eyesight can occur at any stage of our lives.

“There should be a broader focus on ensuring that drivers of all ages understand how these kinds of issues can affect our ability to drive and what people need to do if they experience any changes, so they can make safe and responsible decisions.”