Elderly driver forces car hire firm to change ageist policies

A man in his 70s has won a settlement forcing a car rental hire firm to scrap extra charges imposed on older drivers.

The settlement has been warmly welcomed by both the Equality Tribunal and Age Action.

In May 2006, Australian-based Christian Brother Anthony White attempted to rent a car at Dublin Airport but was told that because he was over the age of 70 he would have to pay an 'age surcharge' of €25 per day, an increase of 33 per cent on the normal rental cost.

He also learned that on his next visit to Ireland he would be considered not eligible to rent a vehicle because he would be over the age of 75.

Brother White, who had held a Heavy Vehicle Licence in Australia for over 50 years, objected and raised the issue firstly with the hire company, Irish Car Rentals Limited, and then with the Equality Authority.

Following negotiations with the authority, Irish Car Rentals has abolished the surcharge for older drivers and the blanket ban on drivers aged over 75 years. It has instead introduced a safety assessment form which takes into account, individual drivers' health, driving experience and existing motor insurance policy.

Welcoming the settlement, Niall Crowley CEO of the Equality Authority said: "The use of lower and upper age limits to govern access to insurance products and financial and other services is a widespread problem. Age limits exclude people without any consideration of their individual circumstances.

"This settlement represents another step in eradicating the exclusion of older people by means of age limits. All car hire companies should urgently review their current policies and practices and remove any remaining age limits to ensure that they comply with the Equal Status Acts".

Br. White said he was "very pleased" with the outcome of this case while Irish Car Rentals also expressed satisfaction with the settlement.

Age Action today said the case highlighted the "blatantly ageist policies adopted by some firms."

"It is unacceptable that a person who can legally drive their own car in Ireland or is legally allowed to drive in their own country should be refused rental of a vehicle based on their age, or should face an increased charge as a result of their age," said Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins.

"We need more people like Brother White to stand up and challenge such practices. By taking on this firm,
and supported by the Equality Authority, he has done everyone a service," he added.