The government is set to target elderly drivers under new road proposals - as over 70s are deemed no longer safe behind the wheel. One in four people in the UK, an eye-watering quarter, know an elderly driver who needs to stop driving altogether.

A survey found 25 per cent of respondents admitted knowing an older motorist they believe should cease driving soon.

27 per cent of those surveyed, meanwhile, supported the introduction of yearly driving assessments and health checks for motorists after reaching 70 years of age to enhance protection for elderly drivers and other road users.

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30 per cent identified GPs as most suitable, while 24 per cent believed drivers should self-assess, and 23 per cent thought family members should intervene.

It comes as the Labour Party government is preparing to introduce compulsory vision tests for motorists aged over 70.

Responding to the shake-up, a driver said: "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."

A second said: "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."

Labour set to target drivers over age 70 with 'mandatory' new rule - Birmingham Live