THE Older Drivers Forum will hold an event in Winchester to offer advice and address any concerns.

It will be held at the Badger Farm and Oliver’s Battery Residents’ Community Association at the rear of Sainsburys car park) (SO22 4QB) between 9.30am and 3.30pm on Tuesday May 28.

Sgt Rob Heard, chairman of the Hampshire Older Driver Forum, said: “The key message is about not becoming complacent about driving. We know that many older drivers have a wealth of experience, confidence and tolerance. However as we get older our sight, hearing, reaction times and judgement of speed and distance may not be as sharp as it once was. We often pick up bad habits which become the norm without being aware of it.

“The Older Drivers Forum can help by giving advice on voluntary driving appraisals to suit your needs or build confidence.

“Our advice is don’t wait until you have a near miss, or worse, an accident to convince you to review your driving ability or to stop driving. Instead take preventative measures by planning ahead and seeking advice and support early.

“Attending this event is the ideal opportunity to come and discuss your driving needs and concerns with a variety of organisations who are dedicated to reducing casualties and providing the guidance and support older drivers may need.”

There are currently just under 5.4 million people in the UK aged 70 and over driving on our roads, and the expectation is that this will double, if not treble, in the next 20 years as we all live longer. The oldest UK residents holding a driving licence are two males both aged 108. There are over 300 drivers over the age of 100 in the UK. Hampshire is shown as having the highest number of older drivers outside London.

Organisations attending the event include: Hampshire Police Road Safety, Hampshire County Council driver skills 60+, Wessex Driveability Mobility, Neighbourhood Watch and Bobby Scheme home security.