Drivers in Northern Ireland bringing cars back onto the road after they have been declared ‘off the road’ have been warned they could face a £300 fine and penalty points if they make a costly insurance mistake.
The figures form part of a wider UK increase, with 56,331 cars declared SORN during the month, which represents a 10 per cent rise compared to February and more than double the rate recorded during the same period in 2025.
The surge coincided with high petrol prices, suggesting some motorists chose to take vehicles off the road to reduce running costs.
However, as summer holidays and road trips encourage drivers to bring “hibernating” vehicles back into use, motorists are being warned about the legal requirements before getting behind the wheel.
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While drivers can legally take a SORN vehicle without road tax directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment, they must still have valid insurance in place.
Driving an uninsured vehicle on a public road is a motoring offence that can result in a £300 fixed penalty, six penalty points, and the possibility of the vehicle being seized.
Temporary car insurance provider Tempcover said many motorists wrongly believe the MOT exemption also applies to insurance.
Jake Lambert, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “The law lets you drive a SORN car to a pre-booked MOT without road tax, but many mistakenly assume that applies to insurance too. It doesn’t – the moment you take an uninsured car onto a public road, you are breaking the law.
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“Relying on assumptions or annual policies that exclude SORNed vehicles is a massive financial gamble. Insuring the car before heading to the garage is vital, and flexible, temporary cover gives drivers a legal, short-term bridge to get tested and taxed without risking fines, points or an impounded car.”
Drivers looking to return a SORN vehicle to the road are advised they must first ensure they have insurance before travelling.
The vehicle can then be driven directly to a pre-booked MOT test, provided the insurance is valid. Once the MOT has been passed, motorists can tax the vehicle before using it normally.
Vehicles detected being driven without insurance can also face further costs if they are seized, including removal fees and daily storage charges.
Andy Burnham jets off on foreign holiday just TWO WEEKS after becoming Prime Minister… and leaves Louise Haigh as the most senior minister in Westminster
Andy Burnham will this week go on a foreign holiday just two weeks after becoming Prime Minister, Downing Street has confirmed.
Mr Burnham is taking a break from his day-to-day duties for a long-planned family holiday and is not expected to appear publicly this week.
The Prime Minister will be travelling abroad but Downing Street insisted he will still be working and is prepared to travel back to the UK if required.
Until recently, both close friends and staff of Mr Burnham claimed he had cancelled plans to join his family on holiday, with this replaced by a tour of Britain to meet voters towards the end of August.
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As recently as July 25, Downing Street told the Mail that Mr Burnham would not be heading off for a break after becoming Prime Minister.
But on Monday No10 confirmed he would be travelling abroad to spend time with his family, after making a blizzard of spending pledges on bus fares and energy bills that could cost up to £96billion during his first two weeks in charge.
Reform UK has criticised Mr Burnham for going on holiday so soon, with Lee Anderson saying: ‘Two weeks into the job and Andy Burnham has already had enough.’
Reform’s chairman added: ‘After dropping a number of unfunded commitments and overseeing over 2,000 illegal migrants breaking into our country he’s bunked off for a jolly abroad. This isn’t a Prime Minister that’s serious about leading.’
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Andy Burnham will this week go on a foreign holiday just two weeks after becoming Prime Minister, Downing Street has confirmed
Mr Burnham is pictured with his wife Marie-France van Heel at Ashton Town FC, in Ashton in Makerfield, north-west England on June 19
While Mr Burnham is on holiday, his de-facto deputy Louise Haigh (left), the First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will be the most senior minister in Westminster
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Ms Haigh arrives in Downing Street to be appointed First Secretary of State, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office on July 20
And a Labour source told the Mail: ‘Talk about easy mode. A week’s holiday? Because he’s had a difficult summer? Because he had to fight a by-election?’
The source said that Sir Keir Starmer ‘barely went on holiday’, adding that when he did ‘he would just sit there with a bottle of rose and talk through work over the phone. It was inspiring’.
The former prime minister cancelled a planned holiday in August 2024 – about six weeks after entering No10 – due to the riots that erupted after three young girls were murdered in Southport. He eventually went on a family holiday in Madeira at the end of December 2024.
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When Sir Keir was away, Downing Street insisted that he remained in charge, rather than handing over power to the then deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner.
While Mr Burnham is on holiday, his de-facto deputy Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will be the most senior minister in Westminster.
It is understood that convicted fraudster Ms Haigh will be working this week as normal, however, No 10 insisted that she will not be taking day-to-day decisions in Mr Burnham’s absence.
The Prime Minister’s spokesman said: ‘The government continues to operate as normal with [the] PM remaining in contact with officials, holding meetings and receiving regular updates on government business.’
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There were no further details on where Mr Burnham will go on holiday as prime ministerial holiday destinations are not usually confirmed by Downing Street.
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Andy Burnham jets off on foreign holiday just TWO WEEKS after becoming Prime Minister… and leaves Louise Haigh as the most senior minister in Westminster
Lancashire Police has confirmed the M6 is now open again.
A new statement said: “Earlier, we advised that the M6 motorway, J32-J33 Northbound was fully closed due to a Road Traffic Collision.
“We are happy to update you all that the motorway is now re opening and the closures are being removed. Please be aware that there may still be some residual congestion whilst the motorway resumes to its full operational capacity, but this should resume back to normal shortly.”
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No congestion is being reported in the area, so it appears to be back to normal.
Two of the owners of The Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World have been taken to hospital after the incident
21:39, 03 Aug 2026Updated 21:42, 03 Aug 2026
A popular zoo has revealed three animals died after a huge fire forced the attraction to close on Monday.
The Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, a family-run attraction near Telford, Shropshire, confirmed three animals died in the blaze.
In a video update shared on Monday evening, owner Will Dorrell said: “Sometime around 7AM this morning, a fire broke out in the building just behind us. That is the zoo office.”
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He said the blaze was discovered around 30 to 45 minutes later by the owners and a member of staff. Mr Dorrell said: “Fortunately, at that time the fire was contained to within the building, but sadly, three animals did lose their lives, reports the Express.
“We lost some stick insects, a hedgehog, and a snake, all of which were personal pets ourselves and not part of the zoo. We are absolutely devastated about it.”
Mr Dorrell also revealed that two of the zoo’s owners – his wife and father – were taken to hospital as a precaution after suffering smoke inhalation but were later discharged.
During the video update, Mr Dorrell identified the two owners taken to hospital as his wife and father.
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He said: “They both ended up in hospital, but I’m very, very pleased to say that they’re both back now. They were just taken to be checked over for smoke inhalation… they’re both absolutely fine.”
The cause of the fire has not yet been established.
Mr Dorrell also praised Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service for preventing the blaze from spreading to neighbouring buildings, many of which are made of wood.
He said the zoo office had been “completely gutted”, while the first aviary sustained only a small amount of damage, which he said was “hopefully rectifiable”.
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He added: “Without Shropshire Fire and Rescue, that wouldn’t have been possible, and we probably would have lost significantly more, a lot more animals.”
The zoo is expected to reopen to visitors on Tuesday, with Mr Dorrell asking people to “bear with us” while repairs continue around the site.
He also thanked those whose visits had been disrupted and said anyone with bookings would be contacted to rearrange them.
He said: “Those of you haven’t yet been in touch with us, we will be reaching out over this evening and into tomorrow… offering to rebook your tickets.”
The cause of the blaze has not yet been established.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World was recently named Tripadvisor users’ second-best zoo in the UK for the second consecutive year and was also voted the ninth-highest rated zoo in Europe earlier this year.
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Firefighters were called to a fire near the guided busway in Cambridge. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue were called to a fire in the open just after 9am on Monday (August 3) near King’s Hedges Road.
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Firefighters were pictured using the Cambridge guided busway to get to the incident.
A fire spokesperson said: “At 9.04am two crews from Cambridge along with Cottenham were called to a fire in the open near Kings Hedges Road in Cambridge. Firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish a fire involving logs.
“The cause of the fire was accidental. Crews are now returning to their stations.”
Abbie Llewelyn, Press Association political staff and Ethan Davies Local Democracy Reporter
00:40, 04 Aug 2026
The decision to delay early prisoner releases and allow PC Andrew Harper’s killers to walk free from jail has been slammed by as a “betrayal” by his widow.
Lissie Harper says she is “beyond appalled” and “bristling with anger” that Andy Burnham has delayed plans to stop early prison releases, allowing her husband’s killers to leave prison. PC Andrew Harper was killed when he went to investigate a burglary in Berkshire in 2019.
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The new Prime Minister said he “wanted to go even further”, but that was not possible without the prison system collapsing and putting the public “at much greater risk”. Mr Burnham has confirmed rape, serious child sex offences and grooming will be excluded from upcoming cuts to prison sentences.
Announcing the changes, PM Burnham said: “Keeping the public safe is my top priority. That’s why I asked for an urgent review of the prisoner release scheme. I fully understand the anger, anxiety and distress that’s been caused. I’ve heard that loud and clear.
“That’s why we’re making significant changes: offenders who have been sentenced for rape, serious child sex offences and other grooming offences will be excluded from the changes. I want to be honest – I wanted to go even further as I know there will still be concerns about other offenders having their sentence shortened.
“But it’s not possible without the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing, which would put public safety at much greater risk. That’s why we will also be introducing much tougher community measures.
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“There will be a presumption that all offenders are tagged, longer periods of supervision and tough new rules, including restriction zones for offenders.”
He assured the public that offenders will face tighter community supervision, including new GPS monitoring for rapists to restrict movements.
However, the Government is facing criticism that PC Andrew Harper’s killers are still eligible for early release. His widow Lissie said she is “beyond appalled and bristling with anger”, while Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Jason Hogg said the decision not to exclude them is “demoralising for all police officers”.
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“This is disgusting. I am beyond appalled and bristling with anger to hear that Andrew’s killers are soon to be free to roam the streets,” she said.
“What abhorrent message does this send? How dare ministers say the killing of a police officer is not enough of a ‘sickening crime’ that deserves the stiffest of punishments.
“The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims – and to their loved ones such as me – is beyond contempt.”
She added releasing Andrew’s killers early would be “an affront to justice” and “an utter betrayal”.
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The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman, said early release plans have “been a source of shock, distress and uncertainty for victims” and that many have been let down by “poor communication”.
On the new exclusions, she said: “While this will be well received by some victims, most will not fall within those categories, and exclusions alone cannot guarantee victim or public safety.
“Effective risk management, meaningful licence conditions, proper supervision and timely, trauma-informed communication and support remain critical.”
Under changes in the Sentencing Act, some 6,000 offenders were set to be let out of prison in September after serving a third of their sentence – rather than half – in a bid to ease prison overcrowding. Prisoners serving longer sentences of four years or more would be eligible for release at the halfway point of their term, rather than at two-thirds as had previously been the case.
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The changes also introduce a new progression model which will end automatic release for badly behaved offenders. Those who break the rules or are violent behind bars face spending 100% of their sentence locked up.
The Government has said that, after listening to victims’ concerns, rapists and child sexual offenders will not be eligible for the sentencing changes.
These will be added to the exclusions already in place for 18,000 offenders, including those who have been found by a court to be the most dangerous or anyone serving a life sentence. Mr Burnham added that the Government will deliver “the fastest prison building programme since the Victorian era”, aiming to create 14,000 new prison places by 2031.
Marchant said her charity saw generations of women using its services, with breaking the cycle of abuse having to begin by educating young people.
“We’re almost having 13-year-old girls being raped by 13-year-old boys,” she said.
“But nobody’s told the girls that boys shouldn’t do that to them, and in some cases nobody’s told the boys that they shouldn’t.”
The girls made the film as part of work with This Life Collective, which provides a range of therapeutic support and services, primarily for young people.
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It has been shared with the Department for Education and Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Director Sue Davison, a specialist teacher with 30 years’ experience in schools, said the rise of toxic masculinity among social media influencers had a serious impact on “disenfranchised boys”.
“I think the language is getting more violent and aggressive,” she said.
“There are huge numbers of boys who do not take part in this behaviour and they are really made uncomfortable by it.
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“We’re talking to the girls about nine out of 10 boys would never take this further than language, which is bad enough, but it’s that one possibly out of 10 that might.”
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
Today, Black Moon Lillith, the point where the Moon is furthest from the Earth, comes into effect. Rebellion, hidden taboos, and the shaddow self will make themselves known.
Cancer, Leo and Virgo, take pride in standing up for yourself and what you believe in. You are your own biggest advocate.
As the Moon in this rare placement clashes with Mars, things could feel particularly firey. Don’t let amyone question your worth or uniqueness.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Tuesday August 4, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
With your ruler clashing with Black Moon Lilith today, the spikier side of your nature may surface. This may see you debating with someone you disagree with or feeling drawn towards someone challenging. If you enjoy the thrill of the chase, this can call out to you too. If someone seems or acts as being unavailable, you can find yourself wanting to pursue them all the more!
Chiron in Taurus is stirring questions about what you really value, including yourself. It can also make you more mindful of your approach to finances, what you spend but also what you attract. However, today, a brief but powerful aspect could see you more in the mood to live in the moment and indulge your senses. Now then, what do you fancy?
Your thinking has been given more spark of late, as the feisty Mars has powered through your sign. If you are a Twin happy to debate for the fun of it, you may have seen yourself gleefully discussing all sorts of subjects. Mind, things could get more intense today, and you may feel frustrated if you can’t get your point across or if it’s not understood.
Your equilibrium can be knocked off balance today, when some deeper unexpected energies come up. This may be an old hurt or anger which is triggered, perhaps by someone’s pointed comment. It’s not usually your style to react, more to withdraw, but if you feel someone is deliberately trying to trigger you, step up and take them on with your own direct take.
It’s not that every Leo requires complete attention, but a healthy dash of respect sure does help. Recently, you have pitched in and shown a talent for working in group situations. Yet with Black Moon Lilith reminding you of your uniqueness, it’s a timely reminder to not forgo showcasing your star quality. However, someone may feel sidelined by this.
The push to get ahead can be strong, but today’s clash between Mars and Black Moon Lilith suggests someone may question your motives or methods. While you usually prefer to let your actions do the talking, there are times when you need to stand up for yourself. Equally, if you’re feeling frustrated with an authority figure, do choose your words carefully
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
Relationships can show some tension. If someone has very different beliefs or opinions, you might wonder whether it’s worth debating at all. Sometimes it can be, but sometimes agreeing to disagree is the wiser option. Today can also awaken a desire to broaden your horizons, encouraging you to explore fresh ideas without feeling the need to abandon your own.
A situation involving money, shared resources or an emotional attachment could become more intense today. You tend to sense what lies beneath the surface, and today’s influences can confirm that your instincts have been spot on. Even so, look to gather all the facts before making your next move; it will put you in a stronger position.
Black Moon Lilith in your sign reminds you that you don’t need anyone’s approval to be yourself. Even so, today’s opposition from Mars could see someone challenge your views or question your intentions. While standing your ground has its place, listening carefully may reveal that there is more common ground than first appears. A little flexibility is not selling out.
There may be more going on behind the scenes than first meets the eye. If something or someone has been irritating you, today’s energies could bring matters to light. Rather than bottling everything up, look for a way to say how you feel. Clearing the air, tackling an overdue task, or simply taking some time out can help restore a sense of control.
Your social life or involvement with a group could become livelier; however, if differing opinions emerge, resist the temptation to play devil’s advocate simply for the sake of it. On the plus side, today’s influences can inspire bold creative ideas and encourage you to connect with people who appreciate your unique take and originality. There is only one you, Aquarius!
You may feel caught between your personal ambitions and others’ expectations. If someone questions your choices, don’t let self-doubt creep in. You know better than most that everyone has their own path to follow. Stay true to yours, Pisces, while remaining open to advice that genuinely supports your long-term aims rather than stifling you or holding you back.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
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Plot to ‘paralyse’ Gianni Infantino: FIFA president’s opponents ‘form alliance to stage their own international tournaments if he refuses to step down’ after World Cup sell-off disgrace
The leaders of UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have reportedly formed an alliance aimed at toppling Gianni Infantino.
The FIFA president is under huge pressure after he was forced to abandon a hugely controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to a group led by Josh Kushner, the brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared, following a major revolt from the footballing world.
UEFA subsequently declared a loss of confidence in the Italian-Swiss administrator, while the English and Welsh FA are among several countries to withdraw their support for his re-election in next March’s elections.
This has left Infantino fighting for his job, and he reportedly held crunch talks with the White House on Monday in a bid to help him survive.
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And now, according to The Times, the leaders of the three confederations are preparing to ‘paralyse FIFA’ if he refuses to resign.
The report adds that they have several plans in place if the FIFA President insists on remaining in power and seeking re-election at next March’s election.
Gianni Infantino’s opponents have formed an alliance in an attempt to force him to resign
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The alliance includes the leaders of UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC (pictured – Infantino with his UEFA counterpart Aleksander Ceferin in 2024)
This includes being prepared to stage their own rival international competitions, while they are also willing to impose a ‘government boycott’.
This would effectively mean they would refuse to either ratify FIFA decisions or be involved in council and committee meetings.
A source told The Times: ‘Everyone is very determined he needs to go, and if not we will take all the necessary steps [to remove him from power].
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‘That includes future international competitions – would the big South American countries prefer to play France or Spain, or Lebanon or Djibouti? Everyone is very determined, there are no backward steps now.’
It is also believed that with several countries withdrawing their support for Infantino, he has only secured the backing of around 15 nations so far.
Back in the summer, it was understood that the 56-year-old had the support of nearly all of the 211 FIFA members for his re-election in March. He needs 106 votes to win.
No candidates have yet come forward to challenge him though, and they only have until November 18 to do so.
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If a significant number of nations called for Infantino to quit, it may help generate support for an emergency FIFA council meeting.
The English and Welsh FA are among the nations to withdraw their support for Infantino
Daily Mail Sportalso reported earlier on Monday how several European nations, including England and Wales, had formally withdrawn their backing for the beleaguered football chief.
At the weekend, the FA had called for ‘a full and robust review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure that the global game is run transparently’.
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A statement from the Welsh FA on Monday then read: ‘The Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr. Gianni Infantino, for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027–2031 term.
‘The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr. Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football. Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.’
Serbia, Sweden and Finland also publicly withdrew their support, although Morocco, Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait and Sri Lanka were among those to back Infantino.
The latest update in this saga comes after UEFA sent Infantino a legal letter on Friday, where it threatened legal action over the abandoned plot, before adding that documents relating to the plan, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), must be preserved.
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The letter to Infantino read: ‘Uefa hereby gives formal notice that it is actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints (together, the “proceedings”) arising out of and in connection with the FFE plan proposed by Fifa and all related matters as further described below.
‘You and Fifa are required to take immediate steps to identify, locate, and preserve all documents and electronically stored information described in this notice that are in your or Fifa’s possession, custody, or control.’
UEFA went on to warn FIFA that ‘any destruction, deletion, alteration, concealment or loss of relevant materials’ after their letter ‘may constitute spoliation of evidence’.
They then refused to rule out further action if any of the aforementioned actions took place, but the letter itself is not legal action.
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The letter also insisted that FIFA must ensure that certain individuals, including Infantino, Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, secretary general Mattias Grafstrom and Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, ‘specifically preserve all such materials in their possession’.
UEFA later confirmed to Daily Mail Sport that a document preservation letter was sent.
People ‘incensed’ by the new rules have been corrected on how the proposals will work
22:49, 03 Aug 2026Updated 22:50, 03 Aug 2026
Critics of Andy Burnham‘s road test rules for drivers over 70 have been been corrected following confusion about the new proposed measures.
Under the proposals, older motorists are set to face compulsory new tests – and will have their licences revoked if they fail.
They form part of a fresh road safety strategy drawn up by the Labour Government, now led by Andy Burnham. The significant crackdown is designed to ensure that drivers aged over 70 remain safe to continue behind the wheel, Yorkshire Live reports.
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It is widely expected to result in greater numbers of elderly drivers being removed from the roads as over 70s will be required to sit eyesight tests under the proposed measures.
However, following the announcement of the proposals, some Brits took to social media to express their outrage at the changes – believing that over 70s would have to do a whole new driving test every three years instead of just an eye test.
One X user said: “I’ve just written to my MP about Burnham’s plans for over 70’s to take a driving test every 3 years. I am totally incensed about it on so many levels.”
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The X community note corrects the post, stating that: “Eyesight tests will be required every 3 years from age 70. Not full driving tests.”
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Over 70s must pass the eye test in order to successfully renew their licence and retain the right to drive. The move follows mounting pressure for stricter safety measures regarding older drivers, in the wake of a number of tragedies in recent years.
Pensioners may also be required to undergo ‘cognitive’ tests under measures currently being considered, amid concerns over reaction times and concentration levels.
Motorists are already required to renew their licences upon turning 70, and every three years thereafter. Under the current system, individuals are expected to declare any medical conditions themselves.
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Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com, said: “Sufficient eyesight is crucial for safe driving at any age, as clear vision is essential for spotting hazards and reacting quickly behind the wheel.
“While the Government’s consultation on introducing mandatory eye tests for older drivers is a positive step towards improving road safety, it’s important to recognise that eyesight can change over time, and many motorists may not realise when their vision no longer meets the legal standard, including being able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.”
Mixed martial arts fighter Allan Nascimento has died at the age of 34, says the UFC.
According to MMA’s leading promotion, the Brazilian flyweight was found unresponsive on Monday morning after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep.
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