The transport secretary Ruth Kelly is considering plans to impose an upper age limit on driving as part of new safety plans, it has been revealed.

According to the Daily Record, Ms Kelly is evaluating proposals for an upper limit in response to data suggested that 11,000 car accidents last year involved drivers over the age of 70.

The proposals come alongside those suggesting an increase in the lower age requirement from 17 to 18.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Statistically, elderly drivers are not one of the demographics most likely to be involved in a road accident.

"Drivers are required to renew their licences every three years once they reach 70. They are required to report health problems and there are penalties for inaccurate information being provided."

Meanwhile, Optician Online details comments from a Norwich-based coroner who has added his voice to the calls for an upper limit, after sitting on the case of a one-eyed 92-year-old motorist killed after driving into an oncoming car.