New initiative unveiled for older drivers in Gloucestershire

14.47 | 21 November 2019 |

The Gloucestershire branch of the Older Drivers Forum has unveiled plans to stage its first public event, targeting the families of older drivers.

The Older Drivers Forum was founded in 2013 in Hampshire by Rob Heard, then road safety sergeant for Hampshire and Thames Valley Police, following a number of serious incidents involving older drivers in the region.

The forum has since been credited with helping to reduce the number of collisions involving older drivers – and providing help and support to older drivers and other interested parties in the region.

On the back of this success, which has seen Rob Heard recognised with a number of awards, forums have been established in Thames Valley, Wiltshire, Dorset and Gloucestershire – with a pilot scheme being set up in London.

The Gloucestershire forum was set up by Rob Heard and is managed by sister and brother Nigel and Alexandra Lloyd-Jones, whose mother, Colombine Charnock, was killed following a tragic accident as a result of pedal confusion by an older driver relative.  

Nigel Lloyd-Jones said: “Over the last 18 months we have been refining our message and have delivered presentations to over 15 interest groups and engaged with over 500 older drivers.

“We have had a very positive response, with one group even organising a road safety day for all their members with IAM RoadSmart.”

The Gloucestershire forum’s first public event takes place on 4 December – targeting family members and friends of an older driver, who may have concerns about their ability behind the wheel. Older drivers themselves are also welcome to attend.

The 90-minute public awareness event is being hosted by Stroud Brewery and supported by a local Rotary club, and will comprise a presentation followed by a question and answer session.

The event is free to attend – but attendees will be invited to make a donation to fund future activities.


 

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