OLDER drivers are being offered educational sessions by police to help with safer journeys.

A series of events and talks are being put on by Hampshire Constabulary to aid safe decision making and to help decide when to stop altogether.

Running from Monday until Friday the initiative is in support of Older People’s Day tomorrow.

Figures have shown that Hampshire has the highest number of older drivers outside of London.

The older drivers forum is visiting different venues throughout the week, as well as offering advice on cyber security.

Officers from the force’s Cyber Protection team are also attending the events as part of the information on offer.

Sergeant Rob Heard said: “The key message is about not becoming complacent about our driving.“We know many older drivers have a wealth of experience, confidence and tolerance.

“Our advice is don’t wait until you have a near miss, or worse, an accident, to convince you to review your driving ability or to stop driving. Instead, take preventative measures by planning ahead, and seeking advice and support early.”

The number of older drivers on the roads has been increasing steadily, and is expected to continue to do so. By 2030, more than 90 per cent of men aged over 70 will be behind the wheel.

The older drivers forum is a non-for-profit organisation consisting of experts in road safety from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight including emergency services, charities, local authorities and businesses specialising in keeping older people on the road.

There are currently more than 4.75 million people in the UK driving over the age of 70, with Hampshire having the highest number of those outside of London.

Sergeant Heard added: “This forum has been brought together by the specific issues faced by older motorists, giving them all the help and support to carry on driving safely for longer.“We provide advice about managing without a car if their skills suddenly deteriorate to the point that driving becomes too difficult or unsafe.”

The forum will be at Milford-On-Sea Community Centre on Monday, followed by Haskins Garden Centre in West End on Tuesday.