Past Road Safety Campaigns

Over sixties step up a gear.

Drivers over the age of 60 can now start gearing up for a free skills refresher course run by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

The course, which will run on Thursday 18 June from 10.00am to 12.00 midday at the Minehead Resource Centre in Withington.

It is designed to boost road safety awareness for Manchester's older motorists. The emphasis will be on a relaxed session to include a short presentation on driving tips, a Highway Code quiz and a chance to put any questions to an examiner from the Driving Standards Agency.

Nationally, there are over 9 million drivers over the age of 60, and the city of Manchester accounts for 29,744 of those motorists.

Cllr Richard Cowell, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for the Environment, said: "We hope people will appreciate the spirit of the event. It is a chance for older drivers to renew their confidence on the roads in a supportive and friendly environment. "The aim is to give the best possible help so that those drivers who have been having some problems can return to the roads without fear."

Cllr Val Stevens, also of Manchester City Council, whose responsibilities include Valuing Older People, said: "It's easy to lose confidence or get into bad habits on the road. That's why it's so important that our more experienced drivers set a good example to others."

Other organisations on hand at the event will include representatives from Age Concern, Ring & Ride and the Road Safety Team from Manchester City Council.