Prince Philip car crash aged 97 sparks fresh debate over whether there should be a driving age limit
The 97-year-old royal was involved in a crash near Babingley which left his 4x4 on its side with a smashed windscreen
PRINCE Philip’s prang will spark debate over the laws on elderly drivers.
It comes as official figures reveal that more than 100,000 registered drivers in the UK are over 90 years old.
Driving Licences expire when the holder turns 70 - but they can be renewed by simply completing a self-assessment form.
There is no requirement for them to take a formal driving test or a medical before they go back on the roads.
Over 70s have to renew their licence every three years, though there is no age limit for driving in the UK.
Once a driver has passed their initial test, it is up to them to tell the DVLA if they suffer from conditions that could affect them behind the wheel.
All drivers are legally required to tell the DVLA if they have dementia, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and certain forms of diabetes, or conditions that affect their eyesight.
Nearly five million of the 39million driving licence holders in the UK are over 70, the DVLA said last month
AA president Edmund King said: “We wish the Duke of Edinburgh well.
“Many commentators use high profile car crashes involving elderly drivers as a reason to call for bans or restrictions on older drivers.
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“If driving restrictions based on age and safety were introduced we would be more likely to restrict young drivers rather than older drivers.
“The decision to hang up your keys is a tough one but should be based on personal advice from your GP and family rather than being based on some arbitrary age.
We all age differently and the car is an essential lifeline for many elderly people.”
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