Age Concern North Wales Central have written to draw my attention to a Daily Post report of a recent North Wales Police Authority meeting, at which a chief superintendent said that “elderly drivers who are a menace to others should be advised not to get behind the wheel.”
The officer went on to say:
“I am aware that there are sensitivities involved but some of these drivers should not be on the road.
“Families and friends should consider having a word with ‘Great Aunt Nellie’ and telling her that perhaps it is time to hand in her licence.”
Age Concern rightly point out that for an organisation that prides itself on its respect for diversity, North Wales Police’s attitude to older drivers is just a tad un-PC.
They are, of course, quite right. The simple fact is that ALL drivers who are a menace to others should be advised not to get behind the wheel. In fact, they shouldn’t be allowed to do so.
But to equate age with unfitness to drive is just plain wrong. Older drivers are likely to be more considerate and less likely to take stupid risks than young ones. Certainly, they may have health problems that interfere with their ability to drive, but so may younger people, and they are obliged to undergo periodic medical check-ups to prove their fitness.
Ageism appears to be the only form of discrimination that is tolerated these days. It just won’t do. Age Concern are entirely right to be upset and North Wales Police should, in all decency, say sorry to Great Aunt Nellie.
The officer went on to say:
“I am aware that there are sensitivities involved but some of these drivers should not be on the road.
“Families and friends should consider having a word with ‘Great Aunt Nellie’ and telling her that perhaps it is time to hand in her licence.”
Age Concern rightly point out that for an organisation that prides itself on its respect for diversity, North Wales Police’s attitude to older drivers is just a tad un-PC.
They are, of course, quite right. The simple fact is that ALL drivers who are a menace to others should be advised not to get behind the wheel. In fact, they shouldn’t be allowed to do so.
But to equate age with unfitness to drive is just plain wrong. Older drivers are likely to be more considerate and less likely to take stupid risks than young ones. Certainly, they may have health problems that interfere with their ability to drive, but so may younger people, and they are obliged to undergo periodic medical check-ups to prove their fitness.
Ageism appears to be the only form of discrimination that is tolerated these days. It just won’t do. Age Concern are entirely right to be upset and North Wales Police should, in all decency, say sorry to Great Aunt Nellie.
3 comments:
David, it is always the "soft touches" that North Wales Police seem to have to most success with, they have no real desire to make friends amongst the group of society that are in general the most supportive of law and order.
I used to be a great supporter of the Police in general, but have to be frank, I have come to despise the sight of a police car and on the odd occasion of seeing an officer on the beat with their ridiculous base ball hats and swagger.
I have to add, I have no convictions, not even a speeding conviction that is active, so have no bones to pick as such.
Brunstrom wants to look at his retention rates for officers in 2007 compared to say 1987, they may well tell a story in it's self!
leaving in their droves!
That's the answer.
Brunstrom has gone quiet on his blog of late.
I wonder if the police authority brought it up with him?
He appeared to spend a lot of time in the day writting some pretty meaninless stuff on it.
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