Many older drivers are “selfish and dangerous” for keeping hold of their driving licence and staying on the road, according to a leading safety expert. James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM Motoring Assist, stressed many elderly individuals “refuse to accept” they are not safe behind the wheel.

He stressed older motorists had to “accept” there was a time when it was necessary to give up with dangerous individuals putting themselves and others at risk. Under current rules, there is no upper age limit on when older drivers should stop driving. Road users are required to renew their DVLA driving licence at the age of 70 and then every three years, but can self-certify they are fine to continue.

There is no mandatory driving test or eye examination, meaning older drivers not willing to lose their freedoms could tell officials they are fine - even if there is an underlying issue.

James said: “Everyone loves the freedom a car can provide; but driving is a privilege and not a right. We need to accept that for each of us there will be a time to stop. 

“It’s best done as a positive decision, based on careful thought and with the support of family members and friends. Waiting for a near miss, a minor bump or a more serious incident to take place before thinking about whether or not to hang up the keys is irresponsible. Refusing to accept there’s a problem is selfish and dangerous.

“There are too many incidents where drivers simply ignore the warnings. They fail to comply with legal instructions not to drive and go on to hurt or kill.

A previous study Medical Xpress has estimated that a whopping 720,000 drivers in the UK have defective vision.

The law states motorists should be able to read car number plates from a distance of 20m. 

James’ comments were made as GEM Motoring Assist outlined a vision for the future of older driver assessments to help boost safety on UK roads.

He stressed road users should be forced to undertake a mandatory eye test every time their driving licence is sent off to be renewed.

GEM Motoring Assist has also called for changes to the system, to ensure opticians have a direct line of reporting to the DVLA.