EUROPEAN Union chiefs have been accused of discriminating against elderly motorists in plans for a common driving licence across all 25 member states.

The European Parliament's transport committee has examined a commission proposal for a single driver's licence which EU officials believe would tackle fraud, give drivers easier movement and ensure greater safety on the roads.

However, Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson hit out at proposals that would mean most drivers would have to renew their licences every ten years. He also said it was also unfair that motorists over 65 would have licences which would be valid for only five years.

"The UK has a driving licence system which works perfectly well,'' he argued. "This will cause inconvenience to drivers having to renew their licences and is prejudicial to elderly drivers who have an excellent safety record.''