Older drivers 'should lose their licences'
Older drivers 'should lose their licences'
Thursday, 01 December 2011
From The Daily Telegraph
More than three in five drivers think motorists should have to give up their licences at some stage in later life, a survey has found.
The poll by the International Longevity Centre (ILC-UK) and Rias, an insurance company, also found that 24% think motorists should give up their licence by the time they are 75, or even younger.
Drivers are not currently required to stop driving or retake their driving test at any age. By law, they only have to complete a medical questionnaire to confirm they are fit to drive and reapply for their driving licence when they reach 70.
The ILC-UK/Rias survey, of 1,005 adults, showed that 85% believed that re-testing should be compulsory, with 40% suggesting that this should take place at 65 or earlier.
As many as 66% of 16 to 24 year-olds supported re-testing at 65, 60 or before, while only 23% of those aged 65 or over agreed. The research also found that 53% of drivers aged over 55 claimed public transport was "never" a realistic alternative for them.
The results came as a second survey found that 14% of motorists believe cyclists should have number plates to make them more accountable on the road. They say this would stop them ignoring red lights and “no cycling” signs.
Many argue they should be treated like any other road users, by being charged road tax - £155 for a typical family car – and having to pass a test.
In the study, by Confused.com, the insurance comparison website, 25% of drivers also said that cyclists should contribute to the cost of maintaining the roads. Some 39% of drivers said cyclists jump red lights, while 26% said they ignore “no cycling” signs.
Almost a third said a cyclist had caused them to swerve, while one in five blamed being late in driving behind a bicycle. Some 44% of drivers want cyclists to take a test.
www.telegraph.co.uk
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Last Updated on Friday, 30 December 2011 13:13
