Eye checks for drivers over 70 branded ageist

Clear view? The elderly face tougher rules on eyesight

- By Giles Sheldrick

PLANS to target pensioners as part of an overhaul of driving standards have come under fire for ageism.

Over-70s could be banned if they fail compulsory eye tests along with medicals for conditions like dementia.

They form part of wide-ranging proposals set to be announced in the autumn and come as statistics show deaths and serious injuries are on the rise after years of significant declines.

A recent coroner’s report on four people killed by drivers with failing sight said the UK had the “laxest” rules in Europe as it was one of only three countries to rely upon self-reporting of visual conditions affecting the ability to drive.

The number of drivers over 60 involved in collisions where someone is killed or seriously injured has increased by 47% since 2010.

But Caroline Abrahams, director at Age UK, said targeting only the over-70s for eye tests risked the accusation of “ageism”, noting that accidents involving older drivers has not been linked to eye issues.