The government is set to target elderly drivers under new road proposals - as over 70s are deemed no longer safe behind the wheel. A staggering one in four people across the UK know an elderly driver who should stop driving completely.

Research revealed 25 per cent of participants confessed to knowing an older motorist they believe ought to cease driving imminently. Meanwhile, 27 per cent of those polled backed the introduction of annual driving evaluations and medical examinations for drivers once they reach 70 years of age to boost safety for elderly motorists and fellow road users.

30 per cent identified GPs as most appropriate, whilst 24 per cent believed drivers should evaluate themselves, and 23 per cent felt family members should step in. This comes as the Labour Party government prepares to bring in mandatory vision tests for drivers aged over 70, reports Birmingham Live.

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Reacting to the overhaul, one driver commented: "Absolutely a must. My mother (over - 90 now and still alive) has macular degeneration (both wet and dry), which affected her sight years ago. She continued to drive in spite of her family's pleas.

"I understood why: she was the sole carer of an Alzheimer's patient. But it was still dangerous for everyone. A compulsory eye test would have removed the acrimony that arose from family members telling her she needed to relinquish her driving licence."

One individual commented: "As someone about to turn 61 next month, I fully support the initiative of mandatory eye testing for the over-70s, but I think a further shake-up of road safety should also be considered.

"First of all, why just leave it at over-70s? As we have to renew our licences every 10 years, it should be a part of the renewal process and should include an online test to pick up changes within the Highway Code.

"In 2022, there were significant changes, and yet most motoring surveys showed that the majority of drivers were unaware or were even going to make themselves aware."

Drivers over 70 warned of new 'mandatory rule' that will force elderly off roads | Chronicle Live