Leading road safety experts have called on the Government to introduce sweeping new road rules for elderly drivers to ensure all motorists are safe behind the wheel.
Labour is preparing to release the first Road Safety Strategy for more than 10 years in the near future, with many experts calling for fundamental changes to be introduced to protect road users.
One of the most pressing measures identified by drivers, experts and the Government is the laws surrounding minimum eyesight levels to be on the road.
Motorists must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, which is roughly the same length as five cars. This is done at the start of every practical driving test.
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They must also meet minimum eyesight standards by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale.
Both of these can be achieved by the driver when wearing glasses or contact lenses, if they are necessary.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) states that motorists can be prosecuted if they drive without meeting the minimum standards of vision required for driving.
Experts from GEM Motoring Assist have called on the Government to ensure that comprehensive changes are included in the upcoming Road Safety Strategy.
Experts are calling for stronger eyesight driving rules to boost road safety
| PA/GETTYIt noted that meeting the legal vision standards is crucial to safe driving, despite motorists currently only needing to self-declare when renewing their licences.
The charity added that drivers who turn 70 simply need to tick a box confirming that their eyesight is adequate without any proper checks by a medical professional.
Legal experts have recently taken aim at the rules, with the HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr James Adeley, describing them as the "laxest in Europe".
This was in response to several high-profile deaths in which drivers killed other motorists and pedestrians, with failing eyesight being identified as one of the main contributors to the accidents.
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GEM Motoring Assist said: "We believe all drivers should pass a professional eyesight test when they reach 70, and then every three years after that.
"For all other licence holders, a professional eyesight test every 10 years would mirror how passports are renewed."
The campaign group said it would be a "simple, fair measure" to ensure people behind the wheel are safe, and all other road users are protected from motorists with poor eyesight.
They added that such a measure would be "common sense", especially since the UK has an ageing population, and elderly motorists are more likely to face eyesight-related issues as they get older.
Over-70s could be required to undergo a mandatory eye test under new proposals | GETTYOnce a driver reaches the age of 70, they must renew their licence every three years, rather than every 10 years for younger age groups.
Proposals have been outlined that could see the three-year renewal timeline be accompanied by a mandatory eyesight test, with many hoping this will be included in the upcoming Road Safety Strategy.
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 while we do not have plans to change eyesight requirements for driving, we continue to explore ways to improve road safety."