End of the road for elderly motorists?

FORMER newsreader Anna Ford has been labelled ageist after calling for drivers to re-sit their tests at 70.

Age Concern and Help the Aged were quick to criticise the comments by the 65-year-old — who once claimed she was pushed out of the BBC in favour of younger presenters.

So who is right? Reporter Karen Doherty asked town centre shoppers if it should be the end of the road for elderly motorists unless they prove then can drive.

Arthur Watson (67), from Glodwick, thinks it should be up to the individual to decide if they should be driving — pointing out that he doesn’t because he has high blood pressure and diabetes.

But he added: “At a certain age, they should get a doctor’s certificate.”

However 24-year-old Richard Carter, from Oldham, is in favour of drivers re-sitting their tests in their mid-60s or early 70s.

He said: “They lose awareness when they get older. I was behind one the other day who hit the kerb about 10 times.”

Non-driver David Dabinett (63), from Chadderton, stuck up for older motorists.

He said: “If they are fit, well and healthy, especially their eyesight, there is no problem.

“It’s young people that cause accidents through speeding and not watching what they are doing.”

Debbie Smith’s parents are both over 70 and still driving.

But the 47-year-old, from Failsworth, favours re-testing at 65.

She said: “It should come in line with the old age pension. I don’t think their reactions are the same as younger drivers, definitely not.”

Theresa Robinson (53), from Royton, who was shopping with her mother, Hannah Diveney, agreed.

She believes elderly drivers can cause accidents. She added: “The roads are very busy now. When elderly drivers first started to drive, the traffic was a lot lighter.”

Edward (67) and Kathleen (63) Eaton, from Moston, are also in favour.

He said: “At 70, you should take a test to make sure you are confident driving.”

His wife agreed: “As you get older, you are not as alert.

“Your reflexes and everything slows but the traffic on the roads today . . . everyone is rushing.”

Thomas Whitehead (80), from Chadderton, has been driving for more than 40 years and was undecided about any compulsory re-test.

He believes older drivers are more careful.

And wife Rita (77) added: “Older drivers are better than younger ones.

“They are more gentlemanly, more courteous.”