Millions of Britons believe that motorists over the age of 80 should be removed from roads amid concerns about their safety.
New data has found that 38 per cent of Britons think that people aged 80 and older should be banned from driving.
Support for a ban on older drivers is most pronounced among younger drivers, with 53 per cent of Gen Z (18-29) and Millennials (30-45) supporting a ban on those over 80.
It comes as the Government looks to improve road safety across the country with a number of measures designed to cut the rate of accidents.
Labour is aiming to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65 per cent by 2035, with a stretch target of 70 per cent for children under the age of 16.
One of the key measures included in the new Road Safety Strategy is to consult on mandatory eyesight testing for those over the age of 70.
As part of the consultation, which will end on May 11, the Government will look to develop options for cognitive testing for older drivers.
There has been an increase in the number of drivers over 70 since 2012, prompting Labour to take action with the first Road Safety Strategy in more than a decade.
Drivers are calling for elderly motorists over the age of 80 to be banned
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GETTY
Commenting on the latest data, Nick Zapolski, founder of ChooseMyCar.com, said older members of the public can cause issues when driving.
However, he said that these fears could be eased by introducing measures to mitigate risks on the road for all users.
He said: “While many older drivers remain safe and capable on the roads, our research shows that millions of Brits are concerned about older people driving.
“Older age can bring about an increased risk of medical issues, such as bad eyesight, which can have an impact on driving ability.
The Road Safety Strategy looks to crack down on drivers who do not meet eyesight standards
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GETTY“As we get older, it’s important that checks are done to ensure we remain safe on the roads, which is why it’s important to implement rules and laws to check.”
The Department for Transport is currently reviewing the current legislation surrounding the self-declaration of drivers to address concerns about their ability to drive safely.
The system of self-declaration has been criticised in recent years, with one expert describing it as the “laxest in Europe”.
Dr James Adeley, HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, made the comments after his report into four people who were killed by drivers with impaired eyesight.
Adults are recommended to get an eye test every two years | PA
While motorists, especially older drivers, do not want to lose their independence by staying behind the wheel, experts argue that measures must be in place to prevent other people from suffering as a result.
The UK remains the only country in Europe to issue licences without mandatory vision checks when someone reaches 70.
Although motorists must renew their driving licence every three years, rather than every 10, once they turn 70, there are no measures in place regarding testing.
“With new measures being introduced, it demonstrates that road safety remains a priority to the Government, allowing motorists to maintain independence as they age while also keeping the road as safe as possible,” Mr Zapolski said.