Frustrated Doncaster pensioner who could not log onto speed awareness course on Zoom claims switch is 'ageism'

A Doncaster pensioner fears he faces points on his driving licence and a fine after struggling to cope with an online speed awareness course via video conferencing.
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Retired mechanic Mick Glynn, from Hatfield, aged 70, tried unsuccessfully to log onto the system after being told it was the only way he could complete a course originally due to take place at Castle Park in Armthorpe.

He had to borrow a laptop from a friend as Zoom would not work on his own computer, and struggled with a password on the borrowed machine. He said there had been no way to contact organiser TTC to explain the situation.

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Now he says he fears he must pay £84 from his pension for the course he was unable to log into, and then another £84 for another course – or go back to have points on his licence and a speeding fine.

Mick GlynnMick Glynn
Mick Glynn

He was enrolled on the course run by TTC after a speed camera photographed him travelling at 60mph in a 50mph stretch on the road between Bawtry and Retford.

He said: “I entered into an agreement with TTC to attend a driver awareness scheme. This was deferred due to the Covid 19 situation.

“The next thing they moved the goalposts and brought in Zoom. I am sure I’m not the only one to fall foul of this.

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“For me this is ageism. Surely if these courses were discontinued due to the virus they should have offered an alternative date. I won’t accept the excuse that the course must be done in the allotted time frame.

"These are extenuating circumstances. Many elderly people don’t have the internet never mind a computer.”

He has been told all classroom based courses have been suspended until the end of the year, meaning he cannot complete one before his completion date. He wants people in the same position to ring him on 07880 817636.

Sally Guy, contact centre team manager for police and court referred offender education at TTC, said: “During these unprecedented and concerning times we remain committed to providing our educational services.”

She said she could not comment on the case directly but would be happy to speak to Mr Glynn.