Road Safety GB has unveiled plans to host a mature driver event for road safety professionals in Spring 2026, with a call for papers underway.
The one-day national conference will be held at Austin Court, Birmingham, on Tuesday 28 April. The event is supported by GEM Motoring Assist and The Road Safety Trust.
The conference will be officially launched later this month, however anyone interested in attending is invited to express interest by emailing Nick Rawlings. Those people will then be notified at the time of launch when the booking process will go live.
The conference committee is in the process of identifying topics and speakers, and while planning remains in its infancy, the agenda will consider mature road users in the context of the Safe System approach to road safety.
Alternatives to, and retiring from, driving could also be covered on the agenda.
Anyone interested in speaking at the conference should supply a title and brief abstract/overview of the presentation, along with a brief speaker biog, again by email to Nick Rawlings. The initial deadline for submissions from potential speakers is Friday 10 October.
There will also be a small tabletop exhibition which will run alongside the conference. Prices and more information can be obtained by emailing the organisers.
James Gibson, executive director of Road Safety GB, said: “The UK’s population is ageing, with the proportion of people aged 65 and over increasing year-on-year.
“As a result, the number of mature drivers is also on the rise. Government data shows there were more than 6 million people aged 70 or over with a full driving licence in the UK as of September 2024.
“That’s why Road Safety GB is delighted to be hosting this conference, bringing together road safety professionals and those committed to supporting mature drivers to maintain their independence while at the same time enhancing their safety.”
Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support this conference. It’s essential that we share good practice to enhance the safety and wellbeing of older motorists and, by extension, help to safeguard all road users.
“Early indications are that policy changes concerning mature drivers could feature as part of the Government’s long-awaited national road safety strategy, so this conference is timely and I look forward to hearing the discussion it will generate.”
James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM Motoring Assist, said: “This conference represents a crucial opportunity to address one of the most pressing challenges in road safety today. As our population ages, it is vital to have the right measures in place to ensure that mature drivers can remain safe and independent.
“GEM has a long-standing commitment to supporting older drivers, from encouraging regular driving reviews to promoting safer driving habits and the value of maintaining independence as we age. We look forward to working with the organisers to ensure the conference is a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, ultimately enhancing the well-being of mature drivers while safeguarding all road users.
“We are proud to sponsor and support this event, which aligns closely with our mission to ensure safer journeys for everyone.”
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