Older motorists urged to take 'driving courses' under new plans to help 'retain their independence'

The partnership outlined that it would not act as a driving test or lead to anyone having their licence taken away from them and would be voluntary.

It helps elderly drivers increase their confidence when dealing with traffic volumes and speeds, especially on particularly busy roads around Essex.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

The "Driving With Confidence" scheme can be tailored to include night driving, negotiating roundabouts and junctions, driving on motorways and dual carriageways and understanding road signs and markings.

One user of the scheme said their circumstances changed and they now need to travel more often, with the course helping to refresh their driving skills and boosting their confidence.

An experienced driving coach will contact mature drivers to arrange a convenient appointment and will listen to any concerns they may have about being on the road.

A number of measures are required from the motorists including their licence, insurance, tax, MOT and to ensure they can read a number plate from 20 metres.

Sally Plail, driver improvement manager at The Safer Essex Roads Partnership, said: "We want people to enjoy driving and feel safe and confident.

"We need to make sure our drivers maintain their driving skills as they mature. As we all get older, we lose confidence, which includes our driving," she told BBC Essex.

The manager added that one of the most common concerns shared by drivers was about the busy A12, as well as navigating junctions that have recently been redesigned.

The Safer Essex Roads Partnership works with emergency services, safety organisations and councils around the county to help cut the number of injuries and deaths on roads.

Plail continued, saying: "All we want is to offer hints and tips to drivers so they can remain confident and yet retain their independence."

Similar schemes are in place across the UK, with motorists in North Wales having the chance to refresh their skills as part of a new police fitness scheme.

Drivers have been given the chance to avoid prosecution for motoring offences by taking part in the scheme to also boost road safety, organised by North Wales Police, North Wales Mobility and the Driving Assessment Service.

The scheme is available to drivers over 70 who have been referred by the police as an alternative to fining or prosecuting them.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Motorists flout Low Emission Zone rules as repeat offender prefer to pay £1,380 than obey restrictions
  
• Drivers face severe delays as eight feet of floodwater causes popular motorway to shut
• Parking permit rules could be imposed on thousands of drivers as they blast 'stupid idea'

Inspector Iwan Roberts of North Wales Police’ Roads Crime Unit said: “This scheme is just one of the initiatives we have to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the roads and is an excellent example of joint agency and partnership working."

It involves a 20-minute interview at the centre in Bodelwyddan, followed by an eyesight test and a drive which generally takes between 45 and 60 minutes.

An occupational therapist and an approved driving instructor will analyse their ability and give feedback to North Wales Police who assess if they are safe to continue driving.