Trust-funded projects feature as industry experts gather to accelerate progress on mature driver safety
More than 110 road safety professionals gathered during an event in Birmingham today (28 April) which shared expertise on how best to support mature drivers to maintain their independence while at the same time enhancing their safety.
The UK’s population is ageing, with the proportion of people aged 65 and over increasing year-on-year.
As a result, the number of mature drivers is also on the rise. Government data shows there were more than 6 million people aged 70 or over with a full driving licence in the UK as of September 2024.
Three projects funded by The Road Safety Trust featured at the Mature Drivers’ Conference – hosted by Road Safety GB and supported by GEM Motoring Assist, The Road Safety Trust & Waymo – looked at this cohort of road users in the context of the Safe System approach to road safety.
The three projects were:
Safe Speeds and Older Demographics: Insights from behavioural and risk research – Dr Sam Chapman, Co-Founder, The Floow
Standardised mature driver assessments & the Road Safety GB ADI Register – Dr Carol Hawley, University of Warwick & Ian Edwards, New View Consultants; and
Supporting Timely Driving Retirement for People Living with Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) – Dr Theopisti Chrysanthaki, University of Surrey
The event was opened by Lilian Greenwood MP, minister for local transport. In her keynote speech, Ms Greenwood stressed the importance of finding a balance between retaining older drivers’ independence and improving safety for all road users.
The MP for Nottingham South added that the Government is working to ensure that new vehicles are fitted with technology to help keep older drivers safe, confirming that it will also work to tackle headlight glare and impaired driving.
With regards to eyesight, Ms Greenwood noted that if someone can’t see well enough to drive, they shouldn’t be on the roads – suggesting a formal process for eyesight testing could help keep drivers safe.The agenda also included a presentation from Professor Charles Musselwhite, Aberystwyth University, who highlighted practical strategies for supporting older people, particularly when considering retiring from driving.
Meanwhile, Rob Heard MBE provided an evidence-based picture of older driver safety and provide informed discussion on how best to support safe mobility in later life.
Other speakers included Dr Liz Box (ECM Research) & Tanya Fosdick (Agilysis), Professor Richard Cuerden (TRL) and Nigel Lloyd-Jones (the Older Drivers Forum for Gloucestershire).
Paul Steinberg, deputy chief executive at The Road Safety Trust, opened the afternoon session. He said: “The Road Safety Trust is proud to have supported this conference which has shone an important spotlight on the unique challenges faced by older drivers.
“Given the focus on this demographic within the Government’s National Road Safety Strategy, it’s important that there are supportive policies and interventions in place guided by research and insight, which can support mature drivers in maintaining their independence and safety on our roads.
“What’s been particularly valuable is the emphasis on real-world solutions. By bringing together research, policy and practice, events like this help to ensure that older drivers are recognised and supported to drive with confidence and dignity, while contributing to our wider goal of reducing serious and fatal collisions on our roads.”
James Luckhurst, GEM Head of Road Safety, said: “Older drivers make a huge contribution to safer, calmer roads, but we know that the point at which driving has to change – or stop altogether – can be daunting and deeply personal.
“This conference is about listening, learning and making sure every older road user feels supported, respected and safe.”
28 April 2026