An MP has called for driving law changes to be introduced that would see motorists reported if they were to fail an eye test amid a spate of high-profile accidents relating to poor eyesight.
Paul Waugh MP has called for the mandatory reporting of unfit drivers to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) by medical experts.
At present, motorists are required to self-report any sight issues to the DVLA, although many may avoid doing so as they could lose the freedom of driving.
There is no requirement for optometrists to inform the DVLA about anyone who may be unfit to drive, unless they believe it is in the public interest.
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Experts are calling for mandatory reporting if someone fails an eye test
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Waugh's calls come after the death of Anne Ferguson, who was hit by a van as she crossed Market Street in Whitworth, Lancashire, in July 2023.
The driver of the van, who was 72 years old, had been diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes, although he failed to tell the DVLA in "several applications".
An inquest heard that the man was unable to read the top line of an eye test chart during a sight test.
The motorist was jailed for four years after admitting causing death by dangerous driving. He was also banned for life from driving.
The inquest also found that Ferguson's husband, David, who was reliant on his wife, ended his own life following her death, the BBC reported.
Waugh, who represents Rochdale for Labour, said Ferguson was a "victim of a broken system", adding that her death was "entirely avoidable".
The MP, alongside a group of other cross-party MPs, has written to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to call for mandatory reporting if someone fails an eyesight test.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he wanted to "find a way to close this loophole and prevent further tragic and preventable deaths on our roads from reckless drivers".
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The cross-party group has also called for a new system to be launched, which would share medical information with the DVLA and police forces.
This will also include stronger checks on people who may struggle with their eyesight or have failed a vision test.
A Department for Transport spokesperson told GB News: "Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way.
"The NHS recommends adults should have their eyes tested every two years and drivers are legally required to inform the DVLA if they have a condition which affects their eyesight."
Experts have previously called for compulsory eyesight tests once a driver reaches 70 years of agePAThe spokesperson added that the DfT was committed to improving road safety and would "continue to explore ways to achieve this".
There have been growing calls in recent months for the Government to act to protect road users from drivers with poor eyesight and the dangers they pose on the road.
In April, the senior coroner for Lancashire described the UK's eyesight driving rules as being the "laxest in Europe" following the death of four people killed by drivers with failing eyesight.
Dr James Adeley added that the current system was "ineffective, unsafe and unfit to meet the needs of society".
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