Latest news with #Gov.uk
Daily Mirror
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers over 70 dealt huge blow after damning survey unveils Brits' opinions
UK motorists over the age of 70 have been dealt a major blow after the release of a damming survey questioning the ability of elderly drivers to remain on busy road Elderly drivers in the UK have been warned they could face huge fines, or even be taken off the road altogether, as support for tougher restrictions on them gains momentum. Motorists over the age of 70 are facing increased scrutiny and the possibility of stricter driving rules amid growing concerns over road safety. It comes as research by car insurance experts found that one in four motorists knows an older driver who they believe should no longer be behind the wheel. This comes amid calls for tougher regulations, including annual driving tests and medical checks for those over 70. Currently, drivers aged 70 and above must renew their licences every three years by completing a self-assessment questionnaire. However, critics argue that this system may not be robust enough to ensure the safety of all road users, as it relies on drivers honestly reporting their own health and fitness to drive. The survey highlighted the mounting anxiety about the proficiency of elderly drivers, particularly as incidents linked to poor vision have reached their highest levels in six years. 27 per cent of respondents supported the introduction of annual driving tests and medical checks for those over the age of 70. Failing to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about certain medical conditions can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and potential prosecution if involved in an accident. However, the system depends on drivers self-declaring any health conditions that could affect their driving. Age UK warned: "If your licence expires and you don't apply for a new one, you won't legally be allowed to drive." The DVLA even took to social media to spread the warning, posting on X: "You need to renew your licence every three years after you turn 70. Do it online now. It's easy, quick and secure." As drivers approach their 70th birthdays and every three years thereafter, the DVLA sends out reminders and application forms. If a driver continues to drive without a valid licence, they risk facing a heavy fine — or even the seizure of their vehicle by police. The DVLA recommends renewing online via the official website, with applications costing £14 and generally processed within five days. For those who prefer not to use the internet, postal renewals are also available for £17 and take around three weeks. It is also possible to do it at the Post Office for slightly more expensive fee of £21. Across Europe, several countries have already introduced stricter measures for elderly drivers. In the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal, drivers aged 70 and above must undergo regular medical examinations to renew their licence. France is also considering even tighter controls, with a proposed bill that would require compulsory medical check-ups every five years for drivers over 70. This would involve a GP or specialist testing the driver's cognitive/physical health and issuing a certificate confirming their fitness to drive. Public opinion is divided on who should decide when an older person should stop driving. According to the recent survey by car insurance experts over at Tiger, 30 per cent of respondents believe GPs should take responsibility, 24 per cent think drivers themselves should make the decision, while 23 percent feel family members should play a key role. Ian Wilson, Managing Director of commented: "Older drivers are typically considered one of the safest age groups, which is why the over 65 category enjoys the cheapest premiums. However, as drivers approach mid to late 70s, they often see their premiums start to increase, as accidents at that age can be more frequent and injuries could be more severe." With this in mind, Ian advised: "When you renew your licence as an older driver, make sure that your answers on the self-assessment questionnaire are honest and accurate, otherwise you could find yourself in trouble with the law." While the debate rages on, campaigners and authorities are hoping to find the perfect balance between the safety of everyone on the road, and not interfering too heavy-handedly with the independence of older drivers.
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
Brits in Portugal could face fines of £1,500 in anti-social behaviour clampdown
Travellers flocking to the beloved Portuguese destination of Albufeira this summer could face hefty fines of up to €1,800 (£1,500) as part of a stringent clampdown on indecency and rowdy conduct, aimed chiefly at holidaymakers. The enhanced regulations took effect on June 24, banning various actions in the resort city's public areas. Local officials have installed signage throughout the town centre, detailing the acceptable and prohibited behaviours as a pre-emptive measure against misdemeanours. These efforts are integral to maintaining Albufeira's reputable image and ensuring its allure for families and tourists beyond the party-seeking young Brits. The emphasis is on educating tourists about the rules to prevent any unwelcome penalties. Mayor José Carlos Rolo expressed the town's stance: "People have to start changing their mindset and behaviour. Our goal is to prevent these issues and not have to act after they have happened." In a statement released in the national governmental bulletin Diário da República, the authorities said: "There is an urgent need to establish measures to deal effectively with the adoption of abusive behaviour, particularly by those seeking the municipality of Albufeira as a tourist destination." The notice added the rules are of a "preventive nature" in order to prevent the practice of acts that "by their nature, may cause undesirable damage to the resident population and the image of the municipality as a tourist destination", reports the Express. The four rules explained One of the main penalties is for wearing a bikini or swimsuit outside authorised areas, which could result in a fine ranging from €300 to €1,500 (£255-£1,300) Anyone caught drinking alcohol in the street, urinating or defecating in public will be fined the same amounts mentioned above. In more extreme cases, members of the public participating in or simulating sexual acts or practising public nudity will be hit with a fine of between €500 and €1,800 (£426-£1,500). Additional fines will be handed out to those found camping in any unauthorised areas and spending the night on public roads as well as those seen spitting, with penalties between €150 and €750 (£128-£639). Albufeira's code of conduct had been prepared for years, but its implementation was accelerated by local authorities after several severe instances of "excessive behaviour" last year, reports the Express. Politicians have called upon local businesses in the area to help inform tourists and enforce these changes, particularly those working within the nightlife scene. Brits planning a getaway to Portugal are being urged to take out comprehensive travel insurance, as recommended by the website. The cover should encompass all elements of your holiday, from the schedule and activities to potential emergency costs. Additionally, the UK government is cautioning travellers about the global risk of terrorism, which impacts UK interests and citizens. It warned: "Terrorist attacks in Portugal cannot be ruled out," and advised UK visitors to "stay aware of your surroundings at all times".
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- South Wales Argus
UK Emergency alert message to be sent to mobiles in new test
The message will come as part of a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system by the government and mobile network operators. Emergency alerts is a UK government service that warns people when there's a danger to life nearby. says: "In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe." Alerts will only be sent by emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies. How to avoid scams They will usually alert people to things like sever flooding, fires or extreme weather. Some people received emergency alerts from the UK and Scottish Governments back in January due to the red weather warning and strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn. While the last test of the service took place on April 23, 2023. An emergency alert was sent out to people across the UK and Northern Ireland in January due to Strom Eowyn. (Image: Rebecca Black/PA Wire) The last test alert read: "Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. 'In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. "Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.' Emergency alert test returning in 2025 Following the successful test of the UK Emergency Alerts system in 2023, the government said it would carry out "occasional operator tests" to assess improvements made. The next national test is set to take place later this year (an exact date is yet to be revealed). Every mobile phone in the UK is set to receive a new emergency alert test message in 2025. (Image: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire) The website says: "You may get this alert if you have a phone that has operator test alerts turned on. "These operator tests are not alerting you of real danger. These alerts will always have 'operator' in the title and will confirm that no action is needed." What happens when you get an emergency alert? If you get an emergency alert, your mobile phone or tablet will: Make a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds Vibrate Read out the alert The alert will also include a phone number or a link to the website for more information. What does the alert look and sound like? 🚨 Emergency Alerts will appear on the home screen of your device and you will hear a loud siren-like sound and feel a vibration for up to 10 seconds. Watch the video below 📽️👇 — Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) March 19, 2023 Mobile phones that will receive the emergency alert Emergency alerts, according to the Government website, will only work on the following devices: iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later Other phones that do not run iOS or Android may also receive alerts. You may also still be able to receive alerts if operating on an earlier version of Android. To check, search your device settings for 'emergency alerts'. You will not receive an emergency alert message if your device is: Turned off Connected to a 2G or 3G network Wifi only Not compatible In airplane mode How to opt out of emergency alert tests If you do not wish to receive an emergency alert message as part of the national training, you can opt out. Android phones To stop receiving operator test alerts on Android devices, search your phone's settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'. If you cannot see them in your settings, the government recommends: Opening your phone's calling app Using the keypad to enter *#*#2627#*#* Search your settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts' RECOMMENDED READING: Other mobile phones Depending on the manufacturer and software version of your phone, emergency alert settings may be called different names, according to The settings can usually be found in one of the following ways. The government website says to go to: 'Message', then 'message settings, then 'wireless emergency alerts', then 'alert' 'Settings', then 'sounds', then 'advanced', then 'emergency broadcasts' 'Settings', then 'general settings', then 'emergency alerts' "Then turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'," it adds.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Glasgow Times
UK Emergency alert message to be sent to mobiles in new test
The message will come as part of a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system by the government and mobile network operators. Emergency alerts is a UK government service that warns people when there's a danger to life nearby. says: "In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe." Alerts will only be sent by emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies. How to avoid scams They will usually alert people to things like sever flooding, fires or extreme weather. Some people received emergency alerts from the UK and Scottish Governments back in January due to the red weather warning and strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn. While the last test of the service took place on April 23, 2023. An emergency alert was sent out to people across the UK and Northern Ireland in January due to Strom Eowyn. (Image: Rebecca Black/PA Wire) The last test alert read: "Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. 'In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. "Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.' Emergency alert test returning in 2025 Following the successful test of the UK Emergency Alerts system in 2023, the government said it would carry out "occasional operator tests" to assess improvements made. The next national test is set to take place later this year (an exact date is yet to be revealed). Every mobile phone in the UK is set to receive a new emergency alert test message in 2025. (Image: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire) The website says: "You may get this alert if you have a phone that has operator test alerts turned on. "These operator tests are not alerting you of real danger. These alerts will always have 'operator' in the title and will confirm that no action is needed." What happens when you get an emergency alert? If you get an emergency alert, your mobile phone or tablet will: Make a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds Vibrate Read out the alert The alert will also include a phone number or a link to the website for more information. What does the alert look and sound like? 🚨 Emergency Alerts will appear on the home screen of your device and you will hear a loud siren-like sound and feel a vibration for up to 10 seconds. Watch the video below 📽️👇 — Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) March 19, 2023 Mobile phones that will receive the emergency alert Emergency alerts, according to the Government website, will only work on the following devices: iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later Other phones that do not run iOS or Android may also receive alerts. You may also still be able to receive alerts if operating on an earlier version of Android. To check, search your device settings for 'emergency alerts'. You will not receive an emergency alert message if your device is: Turned off Connected to a 2G or 3G network Wifi only Not compatible In airplane mode How to opt out of emergency alert tests If you do not wish to receive an emergency alert message as part of the national training, you can opt out. Android phones To stop receiving operator test alerts on Android devices, search your phone's settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'. If you cannot see them in your settings, the government recommends: Opening your phone's calling app Using the keypad to enter *#*#2627#*#* Search your settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts' RECOMMENDED READING: Other mobile phones Depending on the manufacturer and software version of your phone, emergency alert settings may be called different names, according to The settings can usually be found in one of the following ways. The government website says to go to: 'Message', then 'message settings, then 'wireless emergency alerts', then 'alert' 'Settings', then 'sounds', then 'advanced', then 'emergency broadcasts' 'Settings', then 'general settings', then 'emergency alerts' "Then turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'," it adds.
South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- Climate
- South Wales Guardian
UK Emergency alert message to be sent to mobiles in new test
The message will come as part of a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system by the government and mobile network operators. Emergency alerts is a UK government service that warns people when there's a danger to life nearby. says: "In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe." Alerts will only be sent by emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies. They will usually alert people to things like sever flooding, fires or extreme weather. Some people received emergency alerts from the UK and Scottish Governments back in January due to the red weather warning and strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn. While the last test of the service took place on April 23, 2023. An emergency alert was sent out to people across the UK and Northern Ireland in January due to Strom Eowyn. (Image: Rebecca Black/PA Wire) The last test alert read: "Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. 'In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. "Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.' Following the successful test of the UK Emergency Alerts system in 2023, the government said it would carry out "occasional operator tests" to assess improvements made. The next national test is set to take place later this year (an exact date is yet to be revealed). Every mobile phone in the UK is set to receive a new emergency alert test message in 2025. (Image: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire) The website says: "You may get this alert if you have a phone that has operator test alerts turned on. "These operator tests are not alerting you of real danger. These alerts will always have 'operator' in the title and will confirm that no action is needed." If you get an emergency alert, your mobile phone or tablet will: The alert will also include a phone number or a link to the website for more information. What does the alert look and sound like? 🚨 Emergency Alerts will appear on the home screen of your device and you will hear a loud siren-like sound and feel a vibration for up to 10 seconds. Watch the video below 📽️👇 Emergency alerts, according to the Government website, will only work on the following devices: Other phones that do not run iOS or Android may also receive alerts. You may also still be able to receive alerts if operating on an earlier version of Android. To check, search your device settings for 'emergency alerts'. You will not receive an emergency alert message if your device is: If you do not wish to receive an emergency alert message as part of the national training, you can opt out. To stop receiving operator test alerts on Android devices, search your phone's settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'. If you cannot see them in your settings, the government recommends: RECOMMENDED READING: Met Office emergency alerts gives Brits 'heart attacks' as they expect 'WW3' Virgin Media O2 to continue switch off next month leaving customers with no internet BBC iPlayer to stop working on select TV boxes from next month - is yours one? Depending on the manufacturer and software version of your phone, emergency alert settings may be called different names, according to The settings can usually be found in one of the following ways. The government website says to go to: "Then turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'," it adds.
