Local MP Alan Mak has learned more about the Driver Skills Scheme for older drivers provided by Hampshire County Council ahead of his third Community Groups and Older Persons Information Fair.
The MP met with officers from the scheme at the Springwood Centre in Stakes, to better understand how its improving road safety.
Though mature drivers are generally safer than younger drivers, the scheme aims to help drivers maintain their confidence levels, especially on local roads that they use often, and to identify any risk in someone’s driving. By giving elderly residents the confidence to continue driving, it can help them to live independently for longer.
The Hampshire Road Safety Team will be promoting the scheme at Alan’s Information Fair, which will bring together local charities, businesses and community groups to help promote the local services available to residents. The event will be held from 10am to 2pm on the Friday 3 August at the Beacon, first floor of the Meridian Centre.
Alan said: “Improving life for older residents is a top priority for me and my third Older Persons Fair brings together organisation that help older people live independent lives.
“The Driver Skills Scheme is a great example of a service that can have a dramatic effect on residents’ independence, and is just one of the many great services on offer at my third Community Groups and Older Persons Information Fair in August. I encourage all residents to come along on the day to find out more.”
The Driver Skills Scheme has been running for a number of years across Hampshire, and many residents in the Havant area have already taken advantage of its services. Residents who take part are visited by an experienced assessor who can observe their driving and identify potential risks, talk or sit through regular routes with them and check essentials such as the resident’s vision. The assessor will then provide them with a confidential report containing advice on how to improve their safety on the road.
Councillor Rob Humby, Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council said: “Our Driver Skills programme is an important way older people can retain their independence for longer, by giving them confidence that they can continue to drive safely. So many things change over the years without us realising, from our eyesight to our reaction times, as well as laws and vehicle performance, and this scheme is a timely reminder of these issues which can be of great benefit.”
Picture: Alan Mak MP with Graham Mylward, Senior Road Safety Officer at Hampshire County Council