Via East Midlands, Nottinghamshire County Council’s highways partner, is set to hold a series of five Community Safety Roadshows, including Notcutts Wheatcroft Garden Centre.
The free roadshows are designed to engage, educate and empower drivers, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate today’s roads safely and responsibly.
As part of the programme, Via is encouraging individuals aged 60 and over to take part in Accompanied Drives. With more people relying on their vehicles to maintain independence, these one-to-one sessions help drivers refresh their skills, rebuild confidence and adapt to changes in road layouts, vehicle technology and driving conditions. Ultimately, the initiative supports older drivers to remain mobile, safe and socially included for longer.
This support comes at a time when significant changes to driving licence requirements are being considered. The Department for Transport is currently consulting on proposals that would affect drivers aged 70 and over, including a move away from the current self-declaration system for eyesight standards and the potential introduction of mandatory eyesight tests as part of the licence renewal process.
Against this backdrop, Via’s Accompanied Drives offer practical, timely support. Delivered in a friendly and welcoming environment, the sessions allow participants to strengthen their on-road skills, understand how health and vision can affect driving, and gain greater confidence using modern vehicle technologies and driver aids that support safer driving for longer.
Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said, “We want to ensure that driving remains a safe and enjoyable activity for mature drivers, and these safety roadshows play a key role in supporting this. They help people build confidence, refresh essential skills and feel better prepared for changes that may affect them in the future.”
Kendrick Hourd, Via’s Head of Safer Highways, said, “Our Road Safety Team offers tailored, one-to-one sessions focused on each participant’s comfort level and goals, providing valuable experience in real traffic situations under controlled and supportive supervision.”
Participants who take part in an Accompanied Drive can refresh their driving skills, feel more confident tackling unfamiliar routes and enhance their overall road safety awareness, helping them stay independent and driving safely for longer.
A Cotgrave resident who took part in an Accompanied Drives session said: “It was very useful, and I learned more about my car, particularly the use of the speed restrictor. I also realised I need to plan my approach to junctions better and not be afraid to be slower.”
Via’s Accompanied Drives are made possible through the generous support of the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust, sponsor of the initiative.
Places on Accompanied Drives can be booked on the day of each roadshow, subject to availability, by visiting Via’s stand at the following venues:
30 April, 10 am – 2 pm – Jacksdale Garden Centre, NG16 5HR (Ashfield)
5 May, 10 am – 2 pm – Dukeries Garden Centre, S80 3LW (Bassetlaw)
7 May, 10 am – 3 pm – Strelley Hall Courtyard, NG8 6PE (Broxtowe)
9 May, all day – Newark Showground, NG24 2NY (County Show – entry ticket required)
14 May, 10 am – 2 pm – Notcutts Wheatcroft Garden Centre, NG12 4DE (Rushcliffe)
In addition to Via’s Road Safety Team, specialists from Specsavers will be available at the roadshows to conduct vision checks and offer advice on staying safe and confident on the road.
