Far South Coast Senior Drivers Licence
Tuesday January 22, 2008
Older drivers across the State will continue to be concerned about proposals like ‘S’ plates until the Iemma Government announced its proposed new licensing arrangements for seniors, The Member for Bega Andrew Constance said today.
Andrew Constance Member for Bega
“A proposed special plate for senior drivers would be discriminatory and Alan Evans and the NRMA should reconsider their ridiculous proposal,” Mr Constance said.
“I welcome the State Government’s rejection of their proposal,” Mr Constance said.
“But even more welcome for older drivers would be a clear indication from Morris Iemma or Eric Roozendaal about the licensing arrangements they will face in future,” he said.
“Older drivers have been waiting since October for the Iemma Government to announce its plans.
“A discussion paper released by Mr Roozendaal in July proposed a number of significant changes, including 10km travelling restriction for older drivers, which have caused enormous distress and concern to seniors across the State.
“It’s time Mr Roozendaal put an end to the uncertainty and announced a position.
“The Coalition believes that whether a driver is 35, 55 or 85, the only issue is whether or not he or she can drive safely,” Mr Constance said.
“Studies consistently find older drivers are amongst the safest on our roads, and Morris Iemma and Eric Roozendaal’s proposals to punish older drivers is misguided at best and blatantly discriminatory at worst.
“There is no clear evidence to justify the current mandatory annual driving tests that start at age 85 years or the Iemma Government’s unreasonable proposals,” he said.
After reviewing available evidence and research – and seeking the views of thousands of older drivers across NSW – the Liberal/Nationals support an alternate licensing scheme for older drivers, involving:
Abolition of mandatory aged based driver tests to bring NSW into line with other States like Victoria and Queensland; Continuation of appropriate medical testing from age 80;
Opposition to Labor’s proposed 10 km radius restricted licences;
Improved education for all drivers, including senior drivers.
“Based on interstate and overseas experience, the NSW Liberals share the view that the current testing regime for drivers aged 85 or older and the proposed RTA changes are unreasonable and unjustifiable.
“The majority of Australian states – as well as US states and European countries – don’t have mandatory driver testing.
“Recently New Zealand dropped mandatory driver testing as it was recognised that there was no evidence that it resulted in better road safety outcomes.”
Mr Constance said the vast majority of older drivers had proved themselves capable and safe drivers over a period of many years.
“An unblemished driving record should be recognised as a significant achievement,” Mr Constance said.
“If other states can acknowledge this, and treat older drivers with the respect and dignity they deserve, it should be possible in NSW,” Mr Constance said.
