DVLA push could see older drivers have ‘keys taken | Tech News

The household of a lady killed by an aged driver has referred to as on the DVLA to crack down on susceptible highway customers by introducing new, harder guidelines on driving licences. Chantelle Cattermole has pressured there was a need for “better communication” between medical doctors and the DVLA to make sure any medical issues are flagged as quickly as attainable.

Rosemary Macandrew was killed in July 2024 after being struck by an 89-year-old driver in a grocery store car park. An inquest into the accident heard that the driving force, named as Noel Maguire, had reversed out of a parking spot after hitting the incorrect pedal. Instead of making use of the brakes, Mr Maguire, who died in March, is claimed to have pressed down on the accelerator, colliding with a quantity of people.

The inquest heard that Ms Macandrew handed away from deadly chest accidents, having been trapped below the wheels.

Speaking to the BBC, Chantelle, Rosemary’s daughter, mentioned: “First and foremost, I feel there ought to be higher communication between the healthcare facet [and] the DVLA.

“I’ve had a lot of messages just recently saying that there’s a lot of families in the same boat, where they’re wanting to take the keys off a family member, they’ve even reported a family member to the DVLA, sharing their concerns.

“This, I think, could have been prevented.”

It has later emerged that no issues over Mr Magure’s situation had been raised by his GP surgical procedure regardless of having suffered from numerous health points.

Motorists are solely required to self-certify their health when renewing their driving licence each three years previous 70.

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport pressured they might contemplate the findings of the coroner’s report into the accident.

An announcement learn: “This is a tragic incident and our ideas are with Rosemary’s household. All drivers are required to make sure they’re medically match to drive, and all car drivers over 70 should renew their licence each three years.

“The Government is committed to improving road safety and we continue to explore ways to achieve this.”

However, Chantelle has hinted that the facility to resolve to remain on the roads needed to be taken away from the drivers.

She has instructed there was a need for harder checks in place to guard aged drivers from getting behind the wheel unaware of their frailties.

Chantelle added: “I suppose as you get older your car is your independence, to get around and stuff, so it does make it more difficult, so there should be some better checks in place. In reality, who wants to give up their driving licence?”