Article: Transport struggle

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Transport struggle

Transport struggle
PENELOPE KILBY
21 Jul, 2012 04:00 AM

WITH laws favouring the removal of unfit older drivers from our roads, there are concerns regarding if enough services are available to those who have lost this independence.

The number of motorists aged 85 or older in NSW has almost doubled in five years and numbers are only expected to increase.

A spokesperson for NSW Minister for Roads Duncan Gay, said the current older driver licensing system was designed to balance the safety of all road users with the continuing independence and mobility of older drivers, "giving them flexible licensing options which better suit their needs".

When a licence holder reaches 75 years of age they require a medical examination each year to retain their licence.

"Drivers aged 85 and older have the choice to apply for a modified licence which allows them to drive in their local area or undergo a biennial driving assessment," the spokesperson said.

Mudgee Radio Cabs owner Kim Byrnes has been running his business for 12 years, and said in a township of 8500, 40 per cent of clients were elderly.

Mr Byrnes said there were enough transport services for elderly community members in Mudgee, but it was those on the outskirts that missed out.

"I don't think there are enough services in other little towns and hamlets outside of Mudgee, but they always seem to make their own way into town."

Mr Byrnes said Mudgee's community transport was very active.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the age composition of Australia's population was projected to change considerably as a result of an ageing population, with the older population expected to nearly double in the next 40 years.

In 2007 people aged 65 years and older made up 13pc of Australia's population and this was projected to increase to between 23pc and 25pc by 2056.

A spokesperson for Minister for Ageing Andrew Constance said the Home Care Services provide assistance to people who are frail and have trouble getting around their community, such as those without a drivers licence.

Home Care Service of NSW is a government-subsidised home and community care provider to help people with a disability, the elderly and their carers to live independently.

The service has operated for almost 70 years and has more than 100 service outlets across NSW, though being eligible for the service does not mean a client will get it, as there is a high level of demand.

"As part of this (service) individual and group transport is provided to help people go to medical appointments, shopping etcetera," the spokesperson said.

"This is jointly administered by Ageing Disability and Home Care and Transport for NSW, with more than $55 million provided in 2011-12."

Aged and Community Services Association of NSW acting chief executive officer Geoff Liggins said although there were a number of programs to get older people mobile, the transition from being an independent driver to a restricted adult was difficult.

"Flexibility for them is a problem," Mr Liggins said.

Mr Liggins' colleague and community care policy officer Ruth Wilson, said access to services was available to regional dwellers, but running costs were the issue due to the larger distances travelled in country areas