driving restrictions

[Dave Wickham]

I have heard rumours that this idiotic labour government are looking at driving restrictions for over 70's. The need to pass an eye test I understand (even though I know of people much younger than me with worse eyesight), but there may be weight restriction of max 3 tonnes that an over 70 can drive. A 2019 Cali Ocean is 3080kgs I have read which would then make it illegal for me to drive when I reach 70. A VW Cali is relatively small and light compared to larger campers (i.e grand California) and motorhomes, so owners of those who are over 70 are snookered!! Any truth in this rumour??

 

[stoobthealien]

Statistically over 70s have worse eyesight so it makes sense - everything has to be evidence driven and if age combined with poor eyesight is causing people to be injured/ killed in a statistically significant way then it needs sorting. Most other countries do.

That aside - here are all the current consultations - you can see the eyesight one, change to motorbike licencing, minimum learning period etc but there's nothing on weights. If anything the move has been in the other direction given the higher EV weighs:

Policy papers and consultations - GOV.UK https://share.google/X7ZzkvKCbCJFbMIiX

 

[Betsycalifornia]

Introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers

Seeks views on the proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers in Great Britain.

www.gov.uk

Consultation, can’t see anything about weight limits but I skimmed it. Respond online to the consultation.

 

[andyinluton]

I have heard rumours that this idiotic labour government are looking at driving restrictions for over 70's. The need to pass an eye test I understand (even though I know of people much younger than me with worse eyesight), but there may be weight restriction of max 3 tonnes that an over 70 can drive. A 2019 Cali Ocean is 3080kgs I have read which would then make it illegal for me to drive when I reach 70. A VW Cali is relatively small and light compared to larger campers (i.e grand California) and motorhomes, so owners of those who are over 70 are snookered!! Any truth in this rumour??

Although the press are making a meal of it, I don't think anything is really changing.

At present you need to be able to see to drive, all thats happening is that it will be a compulsory eye test rather than people admitting that they cant see well enough.

The weight restriction is 3.5tnne, at present when you get to 70 you need a medical to keep any 3.5tnne catagories on your license, doesn't actually look to be any change to that proposed.

 

[Aubisque]

Nothing ‘idiotic’ about this, unless you read the Mail/Express/Telegraph of course.

 

[KevH]

Nothing ‘idiotic’ about this, unless you read the Mail/Express/Telegraph of course.

The source of the 'idiotic Labour government' rumour perhaps?

 

[stoobthealien]

The source of the 'idiotic Labour government' rumour perhaps?

It'll be Reach PLC clickbait as usual