h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

A visionary idea has been floated in New Zealand and is likely to become law shortly.

Some elderly motorists will be banned from driving on busy and unfamilar roads under proposed driving licence changes.

Transport officials say keeping older drivers within certain area - such as their own suburb or town - would enhance safety and allow them to remain mobile.

Drivers unable to cope in heavy traffic or over long distances, but who feel comfortable driving to the local shops, can opt to sit for a new "limited" licence.

The practical test would be done on roads with which they were familiar, rather than on busy motorways and in peak-hour traffic, as happens under the present system.

If other countries pick up on this the whole motoring world, not to mention the pedestrian and animal worlds, will be a lot safer.

Now if similar legislation could be introduced for men wearing hats while driving.......