An Australia-based Christian brother has just settled an age-restriction case with an Irish car-rental company after being told he would have to pay an “age surcharge” of €25 per day because he was over 70, according to the Irish Times. He also learned he would not be able to rent a car at all once he was over 75.

Brother White has held a heavy-vehicle license in Australia for 50 years and was driving between 40,000 and 50,000 km per year.

The policies he challenged have been abolished by the company, Irish Car Rentals.

He said he complained about the surcharge when collecting the car, but to no avail. “I felt it was an imposition that took no account of the individual capacity of a person. You can get 40-year-olds who can’t drive well and you can get others who are 80 and competent. It’s blatant discrimination. A blanket ban will always catch people who shouldn’t be involved.”

A date for a hearing was set, but the car rental company settled beforehand. It agreed to abolish the blanket ban on drivers over 75 and to remove the surcharge on drivers over 70.

A safety assessment form has been introduced, which takes account of individual drivers’ health, driving experience and existing motor insurance policy.

Irish Car Rentals said it is pleased with the outcome, and the new system is working well.