Tuesday August 4th 2026
[photo-sc cap=”Scottish Borders Councillor James Anderson”]
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been accused of “utter arrogance” by a Borders councillor amid proposals for older motorists to face mandatory new driving tests — with the threat of having their licences revoked should they fail.
The measures form part of a fresh road safety strategy drawn up by the Labour Government.
The wide-ranging crackdown is designed to ensure drivers aged over 70 remain fit behind the wheel.
It is expected to result in greater numbers of older motorists being removed from the roads.
Under the proposals, drivers will be required to sit eyesight tests on reaching the age of 70, which they must pass in order to successfully renew their licence and continue driving legally.
The plans alarm East Berwickshire Independent councillor James Anderson.
He believes that being able to drive offers independence to older people, particularly in rural areas.
Mr Anderson says that if there are genuine concerns about someone’s ability to drive because of a medical condition, “then that’s exactly what doctors are for”.
He explained: “A medical assessment, backed up by regular eyesight tests, is a sensible and proportionate way to identify who may no longer be safe behind the wheel. But to set the bar so high shows utter arrogance.
“Expecting every pensioner to go back and study for a modern driving test, with the rules, road layouts and theory questions that have changed significantly over the decades is simply unfair, especially considering the majority are only driving a short distance for shopping.
“Many people in their 70s, 80s and beyond have driven safely for 50 or 60 years without causing an accident. Their age alone should not make them guilty until proven innocent.
“Losing a driving licence can mean losing independence, especially in rural areas where public transport is limited or non-existent.
“For many older people, their car is the only way they can get to the shops, medical appointments or visit family.
“Let’s focus of people’s fitness to drive, not just their age. Regular eyesight tests and medical checks where appropriate make sense. Blanket retesting does not.
“I wonder if we sent Andy back to school to sit a test would he manage to pass even at his age.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
