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Liberals would cover senior drivers medical exams

Seniors past 80 need medical exams every two years
Michelle Stilwell
Parksville-Qualicum Liberal candidate Michelle Stilwell says drivers over 80 will have drivers licence medical exam costs covered if her party wins the Oct. 24 election.

B.C. senior drivers facing medical exams to retain their licences will have those test costs covered under a Liberal government, incumbent Parksville-Qualicum Liberal candidate Michelle Stilwell pledged Oct 11.

At age 80 and every two years following, seniors need a driver's medical examination report completed by their doctor. It’s a requirement of the provincial Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. Seniors may also be referred for an enhanced road assessment. Those tests are currently free.

“Senior drivers shouldn’t take an extra financial hit for medical exams and under a B.C. Liberal government they won’t,” Stilwell said,.

“The current system isn’t working for seniors and we need to fix it,” Stilwell said.

Seniors have complained fees for the medical approval to drive can range significantly.

 “We support the efforts to keep our roads safe but we’ve heard from many seniors about the added stress that comes with being forced to pay for the exams,” Stilwell said.

The provincial election is Oct. 24.

 

jhainsworth@glaciermedia.ca

@jhainswo