New pilot scheme to help vulnerable road users in Aberdeen

A pilot scheme has been set up to give vulnerable road users within Aberdeen the opportunity to take part in a medical fitness to drive assessment.

The scheme set up by Police Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Driving Assessment Service and Transport Scotland will see assessments carried out by doctors and occupational therapists and involve cognitive tests, eyesight tests and an on-road driving assessment in a dual control vehicle.

The project aimed at drivers over the age of 70 living in the AB postcode hopes to improve road safety for all users by ensuring that they are still fit to drive.

Family and friends of people who think they may benefit from being part of the scheme or anyone who wants to take part is asked to get in touch with officers, their doctor or the DVLA who can if appropriate then refer them for the assessment.

Sergeant Sarah Ritchie from the North East Road Policing who is leading the project said “This project is not about removing driving licences from older drivers, it is an opportunity for them to ensure that they are still safe to be driving and about providing them with the tools to continue doing so. It can be a very difficult conversation for any family member or friend to have with their loved ones however officers are here to have that conversation and I would encourage anyone who has concerns over someone’s fitness to drive to contact us confidentially.”

Anyone looking for more information or to refer someone can call 101 or email SeniorDriverEvaluate@scotland.police.uk to get the referral process started.