Adam Purshall Head of engineering and compliance
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TM Logistics Martley.Worcestershire Purshall is adamant that extending the retirement age by a few years will not lead to increased safety concerns about older HGV drivers. With current statutory annual medical checks and the fact that larger firms have internal health assessments. Purshall believes that any potential problems will be picked up early.
The issue, he feels, is the mandatory nature of a higher retirement age.
"I'm not certain that all drivers will want to work to the age of 66 or 70; I feel it should be down to the individual," he says.
"We have drivers in our firm who are over 65 and want to stay on. In my experience, they are all conscientious and knowledgeable and we have never had any issues with them.
"I suspect there are more problems with road safety when it comes to younger, less experienced drivers.
"There's not going to be much difference between 65 and 66 or even 70, and as long as drivers continue to meet medical standards and eyesight tests. that's OK. But by 65, the majority are desperate for a well-earned rest," he says.