Over-80s face being banned from roads

The proposal is based on the suggestion that octogenarians are less alert and more easily distracted than younger motorists.

Italy has one of the highest amount of road deaths per year in Europe with more than 5000 registered in 2009.

Centre right MP Mario Valducci, chairman of the Italian parliament's transport committee, said: "We must look at setting an age limit for driving — once it is passed then the licence would be taken away.

"It is still at the proposal stage and it would be either about 80 or 85, but it is something that is being seriously considered."

Under current legislation in Italy driving licences must be renewed every ten years until 50, then every five years until 70 and then every three years.

Drivers have to provide medical certificates to verify their good health but there is no full practical test.

As the leading Italian daily Corriere Della Sera put it: "In Italy drivers never retire — is that right ?"

Sandro Salvati, of Italy's Road Safety Association, said: "It's something that should be seriously considered, although I must say there are some people of 85 who are as lively as crickets and others of 65 who are not.

"However, cars of today have a lot of additional extras and gadgets which can be rather distracting if you are at the wheel.

"There are mobile phones, sat navs and iPod connectors as well as old-time distractions such as lighting a cigarette.

"We estimate that 30 per cent of accidents are caused by these types of distractions. Looking at how fit and capable elderly people are is something that should be seriously considered."