The Older drivers forum held at the St Ives Community Hall on 28 September last year and subsequent representations have proved fruitful even though older drivers failed to achieve all they hoped, according to Jonathan O’Dea, the Member for Davidson.
“The fact the RTA has scrapped the 10 kilometre radius for drivers over 85 is a huge step forward. It is largely thanks to the State Opposition’s campaigning on the issue that this was achieved,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Labor’s flawed plan would have severely restricted the travel options for seniors in both the city and country and it was strongly opposed by the Coalition.
“Local North Shore residents expressed a strong view on the 10 kilometre radius and that is one aspect the RTA has now got right.
“There is no clear evidence to justify the annual mandatory driving tests and the aged based driving testing regime for drivers over 85 are unreasonable and unjustifiable.
“Age should not matter, it is competence behind the wheel that matters.
“New Zealand recently dropped mandatory driver testing as it was recognised that there was no evidence that it resulted in better road safety outcomes.
“The vast majority of seniors have a proven record over many years as safe and capable drivers.
“I am pleased commonsense prevailed to some extent and the Government has abandoned its inappropriate proposal.”
For further information, please call Jonathan O’Dea on 0418 241 500.
