Older drivers with low mileage should consider 'giving up' licence
Older motorists who are covering a low number of miles in their car every year have been told they could save cash by giving up their licence.
The advice from experts at the Older Drivers Forum, a voluntary organisation which aims to support mature motorists on how to continue driving safely for longer, has been issued as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
The forum said that car owners who are doing under 2,000 miles a year should consider the option. They say that no longer running a car would save them money on numerous hefty costs including Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and car tax,.
READ MORE: Easy five-minute full English breakfast recipe that only uses one pan
READ MORE: These holiday hotels allocate sunbeds to help you avoid 'towel wars'
They would also see savings on car insurance, petrol or diesel costs and breakdown cover.
The Older Drivers Forum said: “It may even make good financial sense to use your money for other ways of getting about, rather than for owning and running a car, especially if you drive less than 2,000 miles a year.
“You would get money from selling your car, and save money because you no longer have to pay for insurance, MOTs, servicing, fuel, parking and repairs. If you no longer use your car very much, it may make good financial sense to give it up and use the money you save for other ways of getting about.”
The average annual mileage for drivers over the age of 70 is 1,665 miles per year reports Birmingham Live.
USwitch said that the 'surrendering' your licence did not mean the end of independance for older drivers.
They said: “There is no shame in admitting that you’re no longer up to driving or that you no longer have such a demanding social life that requires a car of your own.
“From public transport to ride-share services, there are many ways to continue getting out and about. Giving up your keys does not mean the end of your independence.”
However some drivers were unhappy about the advice and disagreed with it wholeheartedly.
One fumed: ""In many places, public transport is non-existent. Where it does exist, it's unreliable, expensive, and the service is deteriorating fast. To give up driving removes the expense of the car, but removes the independence and ability to get about.
"It's a big unwelcome step to take in the backsliding infrastructure of our country. The ageist, biased, and discriminatory attempts of the government, councils, and other bodies, should be tackled through the courts."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
