Transport for NSW under fire after sending an ‘insane’ letter to a man with Alzheimer's
- Replies 30
Every time an unfit driver is allowed on the road, it’s not just their safety at stake but the well-being of everyone around them.
Case in point: a woman from New South Wales (NSW) recently voiced her frustration on the internet over her elderly father’s permission to continue driving, despite grappling with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 83-year-old had his driver’s license suspended for an upcoming mandatory driving test, but the unexpected twist came when he received a letter allowing him to drive without completing the required test.
‘This letter was written on the same day Dad didn’t show up for his test ... what?’ She shared on social media.
The woman explained that her dad ‘should not be on the road anymore’ but ‘doesn’t realise it’.
‘Every time he drives, he has bingles and scrapes and parks on the footpath,’ she added.
‘But he is passionate about cars, especially his one, and doesn’t believe any of the bingles were his fault—there is zero accountability.’
The woman and her brother had been considering taking away his keys due to their concerns, so they were thrilled upon learning about his license suspension before the test.
However, after receiving the letter, the woman said that she had received word that he had ‘got[ten] his car out of the garage and is out driving somewhere.’
‘It is insane,’ said the daughter.
‘I can’t believe how reckless and dangerous this situation is, and my brother and I may have to evoke our power of attorney to get him to stop since the manager of the licence renew[al] unit is an absolute joke.’
According to a spokesperson for Transport for NSW, the department has statutory obligations ‘to ensure all license holders are medically fit and competent to hold a driver’s license’.
Additionally, members of the public are urged to be responsible and report drivers whom they believe are no longer capable of driving safely.
‘Members of the public who have a genuine concern about a person’s medical fitness or competency to safely drive a vehicle can report an unsafe driver at their nearest Service NSW centre,’ they explained.
‘The service centre manager will complete an Unsafe for Driving Report form and interview the informant to verify and investigate the details given to ensure the information has been provided in good faith.
‘The completed report is then forwarded to the Transport for NSW Licence Review Unit with recommended actions.’
In NSW, individuals with a license are required to undergo an annual medical assessment starting at the age of 75 and an on-road driving test every two years from the age of 85 to retain an unrestricted driver’s license.
Those aged 85 or older have the option to obtain a modified license, permitting them to drive within their local area.
Members, what do you think can be done on both sides to ensure that no unfit drivers are allowed to drive? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Case in point: a woman from New South Wales (NSW) recently voiced her frustration on the internet over her elderly father’s permission to continue driving, despite grappling with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 83-year-old had his driver’s license suspended for an upcoming mandatory driving test, but the unexpected twist came when he received a letter allowing him to drive without completing the required test.
‘This letter was written on the same day Dad didn’t show up for his test ... what?’ She shared on social media.
An 83-year-old had his license suspended but received a letter allowing him to drive without taking the test. Image source: Pixabay
The woman explained that her dad ‘should not be on the road anymore’ but ‘doesn’t realise it’.
‘Every time he drives, he has bingles and scrapes and parks on the footpath,’ she added.
‘But he is passionate about cars, especially his one, and doesn’t believe any of the bingles were his fault—there is zero accountability.’
The woman and her brother had been considering taking away his keys due to their concerns, so they were thrilled upon learning about his license suspension before the test.
However, after receiving the letter, the woman said that she had received word that he had ‘got[ten] his car out of the garage and is out driving somewhere.’
‘It is insane,’ said the daughter.
‘I can’t believe how reckless and dangerous this situation is, and my brother and I may have to evoke our power of attorney to get him to stop since the manager of the licence renew[al] unit is an absolute joke.’
According to a spokesperson for Transport for NSW, the department has statutory obligations ‘to ensure all license holders are medically fit and competent to hold a driver’s license’.
Additionally, members of the public are urged to be responsible and report drivers whom they believe are no longer capable of driving safely.
The woman labelled the letter as ‘reckless and dangerous’. Image source: Reddit
‘Members of the public who have a genuine concern about a person’s medical fitness or competency to safely drive a vehicle can report an unsafe driver at their nearest Service NSW centre,’ they explained.
‘The service centre manager will complete an Unsafe for Driving Report form and interview the informant to verify and investigate the details given to ensure the information has been provided in good faith.
‘The completed report is then forwarded to the Transport for NSW Licence Review Unit with recommended actions.’
In NSW, individuals with a license are required to undergo an annual medical assessment starting at the age of 75 and an on-road driving test every two years from the age of 85 to retain an unrestricted driver’s license.
Those aged 85 or older have the option to obtain a modified license, permitting them to drive within their local area.
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that’s mind blowing.well done to you all I’m in awe.
but well done for doing that for her and everyone else’s safety.god love em cos we sure do
