Elderly drivers could risk being taken off UK roads as support for more restrictions and tougher rules gains momentum, with rule breakers facing huge consequences.
It comes after a report revealed that one in four motorists knows an older driver who should no longer be behind the wheel, with motorists showing growing interest in new road rules.
New research by road safety campaigners has intensified calls for stricter rules for older motorists, with 27 per cent of people supporting the introduction of annual driving tests and medical checks for those over 70.
Currently, UK drivers aged 70 and above must renew their licences every three years through a self-assessment questionnaire, but critics have warned that this system may be insufficient to ensure road safety.
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Elderly drivers could face medical assessments when renewing their licence PA/GETTYA recent survey highlighted growing public concern about elderly drivers' capabilities, particularly as the number of crashes linked to poor vision has reached a six-year high.
Older drivers who fail to ensure their eyesight meets minimum legal requirements when renewing could face fines of up to £1,000.
The self-declaration system relies on drivers honestly assessing their own capabilities, including any health conditions that might affect their driving ability, experts explained.
Under DVLA rules, motorists have a legal obligation to inform the agency of any medical conditions that could impair their driving and must also declare these to their insurance providers.
Failure to make medical conditions clear could not only result in legal penalties but also risk invalidating insurance policies, leaving drivers financially exposed in the event of an accident.
Drivers who fail to renew their licence and travel with an expired one also face dire consequences.
Charity Age UK detailed how "if your licence expires and you don't apply for a new one, you won't legally be allowed to drive".
Several European countries have already introduced stricter measures for elderly motorists, with the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal requiring drivers aged 70 and above to undergo regular medical examinations for licence renewal.
Meanwhile, France has been considering even tighter controls, with a new bill proposing compulsory medical check-ups every five years for drivers over 70.
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Elderly motorists must renew their licence every three years after they turn 70
GETTYThe cross-party bill would require a GP or specialist to test the driver’s cognitive and physical health, as well as issue a certificate confirming they are fit to drive.
When asked who should monitor when a driver should stop driving, the survey revealed that 30 per cent of respondents believed GPs should take responsibility, while 24 per cent thought drivers themselves should make the decision.
Meanwhile, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of drivers felt family members should play a key role in addressing this sensitive issue.
Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and Managing Director of Tiger.co.uk, said: "Older drivers are typically considered one of the safest age groups, which is why the over 65 category enjoys the cheapest premiums."
The proposal would see elderly drivers face check-ups to maintain on UK roads
GETTYWilson added: "However, as drivers approach mid to late 70s, they often see their premiums start to increase, as accidents at that age can be more frequent and injuries could be more severe."
He explained that motorists who are worried that their driving is "not as good as it once was" should consider talking to a GP about their fitness to drive.
Wilson warned that driver safety and the safety of other road users are of "paramount importance", with the suggested restrictions hoping to improve conditions for all motorists.
"When you renew your licence as an older driver, make sure that your answers on the self-assessment questionnaire are honest and accurate, otherwise you could find yourself in trouble with the law," he shared.
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