U.K. Polls Reveals Half of Motorists Want Elderly Drivers Banned

Congestion on Britain’s streets is getting worse, but drivers polled by online insurance broker www.motorinsurance.co.uk have a novel solution: ban elderly drivers from the roads.

In a shocking display of ageism, almost half of drivers polled (49 percent) said that banning elderly motorists from driving during peak hours would ease congestion on Britain’s roads.

Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of the 300 drivers polled believe that elderly drivers cannot cope with modern-day road conditions and nearly as many believe (49 percent) that their slow and erratic driving causes accidents.

Paul Cosh, managing director of www.motorinsurance.co.uk, comments: “The impact of congestion on the UK economy in terms of lost time, fuel costs and general stress runs to billions, yet we continue to drive our cars more and drive further than the rest of Europe,” he says.

“However, I do not think that picking on this nation’s most careful and experienced drivers is really the answer.

“To be honest, the views shown by this poll are quite shocking and simply do not stand up against the facts.

“Of course increased age brings its challenges, but healthy older drivers typically try to compensate for deficiencies. If anything, they also drive more carefully and avoiding risk-taking in general.

“To suggest that older drivers are a danger on the roads is a statistically unfounded stereotype and if anyone wants to debate the safety record of an 80 year-old compared with the average 20 year-old, my door is always open.”

“If we really do want to tackle congestion sensibly, we should look at measures that ensure travellers enjoy free-flowing traffic, efficient public transport, as well as providing adequate space for walkers and cyclists. The wider aim is to make life, particularly in urban areas, less stressful, healthier and more enjoyable for everyone of all ages.”

www.motorinsurance.co.uk, operated by A Quote Insurance, uses a panel of more than 30 well-known insurers, including AXA, Fortis, Highway, Norwich Union and Zurich, so to offer its motor insurance in the U.K.

Source: www.motorinsurance.co.uk