Government plans to introduce a new road safety strategy should include cognitive tests for older drivers according to the local MP for Edinburgh South West.
Dr Scott Arthur spoke during a session in parliament when Minister for Local Transport, Lillian Greenwood, introduced the new national road safety strategy. Dr Arthur mentioned the tragedy of the death of three-year-old Xander Irvine on Morningside Road in Edinburgh during the debate which followed the announcement.
The toddler was killed when struck by an elderly motorist, Edith Duncan, who was then aged 91. According to the determination from the Fatal Accident Inquiry which was held, Ms Duncan was “suffering from cognitive mental impairment due to undiagnosed age-related dementia at the time of the incident”.
New strategy
The new strategy is the first to be introduced in a decade and aims to reduce deaths and injuries on UK roads by 65% by 2035. The road safety plans will include mandatory eye tests, an interval between theory and practical tests and reforms to motorcycle training and licensing. There will be tighter restrictions on ghost number plates and uninsured drivers.
Some of the measures will bring the rest of the UK in line with Scotland, including drink driving limits. The legal level in England could be lowered to match Scotland at 22mgs per 100 millilitres. There will now be a public consultation.
Need for cognitive testing
Dr Scott Arthur agreed that the new strategy will save lives, but he raised the matter of the cognitive test which was one of the recommendations of the FAI report.
The Minister responded: “While there is not currently a suitable test of cognitive ability to drive safely, I recognise the need for us to do further work on the issue. We plan to reconvene the older drivers taskforce and expert groups on this subject to consider suitable options.”
Dr Arthur said: “I welcome the new Road Safety Strategy this week which demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to supporting road users and reducing deaths or serious injuries on our roads.
“I am encouraged by the Minister’s commitment to further work on cognitive testing for older drivers, and hope to see clear progress on this issue soon.”
