Overview
- Transport minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed the Department for Transport is consulting on mandatory eyesight tests for motorists aged over 70 under a new Road Safety Strategy.
- Labour figures, including MP Shockat Adam, are urging vision tests every 10 years when licences are renewed, with police leaders backing regular checks to improve safety.
- Age UK says it could support requiring proof of an eye exam if the threshold is raised to 75, arguing that would be a more balanced approach for older drivers.
- Government data show bus mileage in England has fallen by more than 300 million miles since 2010, with Somerset down about 70% and many rural areas lacking evening and weekend services.
- Campaigners warn stricter driving rules without better public transport could deepen isolation for pensioners, while the DfT highlights a £3bn bus investment and says safe older drivers have nothing to fear.