29 Dec 2008;
looks like some action finally of licensing of older drivers
Fairer System for Older Drivers
Government reforms remove the threat of harsh licence restrictions on ageing motorists.
The NSW Government has decided against proposals to severely restrict elderly drivers’ freedoms, following persistent objections from NRMA and its Members.
The changes originally proposed by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) and NSW Government would have unfairly penalised older drivers (that is, those over 85).
The RTA proposed that the driving test was to stay and would only be abolished for those drivers who opted to take up a 10km radius restricted licence. Both options had to be opposed. The NRMA successfully argued against plans to restrict drivers to a 10km radius from their homes.
“We thought that was highly discriminatory,” says Graham Blight, NRMA Director and driving force behind the organisation’s fight against the proposals. “Particularly for country people, where there’s no public transport, 10km was totally inadequate and why restrict anyway?”
see more in the NRMA report
and the RTA media release
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27/2/2008
Anthony Donnan
It is with sadness and disbelief that the PMEA Club learned of the untimely death of one
of its well-loved and respected members - Anthony Donnan - on 9 February in
Massachusetts, USA.
Tony flew to the States early in February to join friends in New Hampshire, near his
home, to go snowmobiling. He was near the rear of a small convoy, travelling along a
well established track alongside the Connecticut River.
According to relative and close friend, Will Sutton, who had only just arrived from
Australia to join Tony and the snowmobile party, Tony was travelling slowly at about 15
mph when he inexplicably left the main track and ran into a small clump of trees. He
sustained major injuries to his head and upper torso and was eventually airlifted to a
nearby Medical Centre. Tony died during emergency surgery in the hospital.
As well as being a member of PMEA, Tony was also an active member of the Royal
Motor Yacht Club and the Horseshoe Cove Residents' Association.
He is survived by his wife Briggi; daughter Lea (Massachusetts); son Shawn, daughterin-
law Rachel, grandson Aidan (Hong Kong); sister Catherine (Wagga) and brother Peter
(Moss Vale).
Tony will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family, relatives and myriad of
friends in many parts of the world.
Vale Tony!
also a news item about Tony
and an Obituary from The Recorder, Greenfield Mass.
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Below is a letter to the RTA concerning Older drivers and changes in Licensing
you can download the file in PDF format or in Word format then print it and send it to the RTA
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The General Manager
Driver and Vehicle Strategy
Roads and Traffic Authority
PO Box K198
Haymarket NSW 1240
Dear Sir/Madam
Reference is made to the RTA Licensing of Older Drivers Discussion Paper Dated July 2007
It is noted (ref:1) that the current assessment system is to be reviewed. Unfortunately there is concern that this could result in 'tough new regulations' which always results in urban life becoming more difficult and stressful.
Accordingly, this letter is submitted as full support of the existing arrangements for older drivers.
To have change there must be a reason and present RTA figures (ref:2) clearly indicate that the majority of older drivers have good driving records and NSW already has comparatively strict tests in this regard. (ref:3).
With respect to the forthcoming RTA review, the following comments are submitted for consideration.
Restricting drivers to a ten kilometre radius from home would be seen by many as demonising older people on the basis of age and would be be likened to home detention for certain criminals. Unfortunately not all services or relatives are within this circle.
Of particular concern is the real possibility that older people will be forced onto the streets and public transport after dark.
Issues are – older people are 'soft' targets for street violence.
Public transport cannot always deliver people safely to the front door.
Inclement weather.
It has been stated in the media that mandatory annual medical tests would be dropped from eighty(80) years to seventy five(75), however people over seventy five are already entitled to a free medical test (Fed. Govt.). to introduce another test would be time consuming for the medical profession and costly to implement.
My observations are that the vast majority of mature age drivers follow the road rules and simply do not deserve to be targeted because of age. One does not see older drivers engaged in drag racing, doing donuts etc.
It would be greatly appreciated if this submission could receive consideration in the RTA review.
Yours faithfully,
Ref:1 Introduction, Final paragragh p2
Ref:2 Bar Chart, p5
Ref:3 Approaches in other jurisdictions, p3
.