A motoring expert has sparked controversy by urging the Government to introduce stricter measures for older drivers, a move that could see a whole generation of drivers being forced off the road. The proposal, which would require drivers over the age of 80 to retake their driving test, has ignited a fierce debate about road safety and the rights of older drivers.

The expert, who has not been named, claims that the current system for monitoring the fitness of older drivers is inadequate and puts other road users at risk. They argue that a compulsory re-test for drivers in their 80s would help to identify those who are no longer fit to drive and prevent accidents.

The proposal has been met with resistance from some quarters, with campaigners arguing that it would be unfair to penalise older drivers who are still safe behind the wheel. They point out that many older drivers are careful and experienced, and that age alone is not a reliable indicator of fitness to drive.

However, statistics show that drivers over the age of 80 are significantly more likely to be involved in accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians or other vulnerable road users. In addition, older drivers are also more likely to suffer from health problems that could affect their ability to drive safely.

Despite these concerns, the Government has so far refused to commit to introducing compulsory re-tests for older drivers. A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said that the current system, which relies on drivers self-certifying their own fitness to drive, was adequate and that there were no plans to introduce compulsory re-tests.

However, the motoring expert's proposal has sparked a wider debate about the need for a more comprehensive system for monitoring the fitness of older drivers. Some countries, such as Canada and Australia, already have compulsory re-tests for drivers over a certain age, and there are calls for the UK to follow suit.

As the population ages, the number of older drivers on the road is set to increase significantly in the coming years. While many older drivers will continue to be safe and competent, there is a growing recognition of the need for a more robust system for monitoring their fitness to drive.

In the meantime, campaigners are urging older drivers to take responsibility for their own safety and that of others on the road. This includes taking regular eye tests, staying physically active, and avoiding driving when tired or under the influence of medication.

As the debate over compulsory re-tests for older drivers continues to rage, one thing is clear: the issue of older driver safety is not going away, and it will require a comprehensive and nuanced response from policymakers and motorists alike.