TV legend slams ‘ludicrous’ Labour plan that would ban older drivers | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Keir Starmer has been informed to “stop blaming older people” by TV legend Graham Cole after the Government threatened to ban drivers over 70 from the street until they go an eyesight take a look at. The actor, who acquired specialist police driver coaching for his position as PC Tony Stamp within the The Bill, referred to as the proposals “ludicrous”.

Mr Cole, 73, stated: “I wanted the show and my part to be as authentic as possible, and it opened my eyes to the dangers on the roads and what our boys in blue have to deal with in the aftermath of an accident. These ludicrous proposals smack of an unfair approach to older drivers. Everybody wants safer roads, but this looks suspiciously like an unfair attempt to heap the blame for accidents on older people when we all know it’s younger drivers that are most at risk of being in or causing an accident.”

He appeared in 1,202 episodes of the hit police drama.

Ministers have introduced obligatory eyesight testing for motorists over 70 and are contemplating “cognitive testing” too, as a part of a brand new plan to enhance street security.

The goal is to chop deaths and critical accidents on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035. Four individuals die in site visitors accidents daily, with 1000’s extra significantly injured annually.

But critics accused the Prime Minister, 63, of selecting the mistaken goal.

Mr Cole stated: “It’s absurd that the government sees fit to overlook my training and make me worry about whether I’ll be able to keep my licence and my independence, while letting young drivers hoon around with impunity.”

Alan Lees, spokesman for campaigners Later Life Ambitions, stated: “Safer roads are better for everyone, young and old. But these plans give the distinct impression of a government fuelling unhelpful and untrue stereotypes by seeking to characterise all older people as potentially infirm and irresponsible.

“Older drivers are much more experienced on the roads and generally safer than their younger counterparts. And many older people, particularly in rural areas, rely on their car for independence, visiting friends and family, and being part of everyday life.”

The Goverment’s Road Safety Strategy additionally features a session on reducing the drink drive restrict in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967 and is presently the very best in Europe.

This will take into account the introduction of alcohol interlock gadgets, which will be put in in vehicles and forestall engines operating till the motive force passes a breathalyser take a look at.

Other proposals embody suspending driving licences for these suspected of drink or drug driving offences.

And the Government will take into account introducing a 3 or six-month minimal studying interval for brand spanking new drivers, giving learners extra time to develop their abilities in various situations equivalent to night time driving, hostile climate, and heavy site visitors.