Elderly drivers targeted in new eyesight safety campaign as over 70s 'become real concern' on roads

The campaign, "Is Your Eyesight Roadworthy?", saw officers from the Roads Policing Unit carry out roadside eyesight checks, helping to identify drivers whose vision may fall below the legal requirement.

As part of the checks, drivers were required to read a number plate from 20 metres away in daylight, but if they failed, they were referred to the DVLA for further assessment.

Police have the power to issue roadside eyesight tests if they suspect a driver has defective vision or is found to be careless or dangerous driving while behind the wheel.

The force warned that roughly 10 per cent of drivers, equivalent to more than three million motorists, fail to meet eyesight standards.

Sergeant James Barrett from the Roads Policing Unit said: "Good vision is essential for driving because it allows us to see, react and avoid emerging hazards. In fact, almost all the information our brain uses to make good driving decisions comes from visual detection.

"Often, it's the gradual deterioration of eyesight that affects drivers the most and many don't realise their vision has fallen below the legal limit, or they adjust their driving habits by avoiding driving at night."

The operation looked at older drivers who have naturally worse eyesight due to their age. Mr Barrett explained that "as we get older, our sight declines and many of us need glasses," but he warned that this "becomes a real concern when this goes uncorrected".

He stated that by highlighting the importance of good vision, "we hope to encourage more people to get their eyesight checked regularly".

Labour recently revealed that it would be looking to address eyesight standards for older drivers as part of the new Road Safety Strategy.

The plan is expected to include mandatory eyesight tests for over-70s every three years, with drivers risking being banned from the road if they fail to meet the requirement.

Craig Delahaye, Associate Director of Legal Operations at National Accident Helpline, shared at the time that drivers "shouldn't be written off the roads just because of their age".

He instead suggested that they should be in fit shape to drive confidently and safely, and are "always discussing any impairments with their GP to ensure their own safety as well as the safety of those around them".

Ian Wilson, car insurance expert and managing director of Tiger.co.uk, added that while older drivers are typically considered one of the safest age groups, "accidents at that age can be more frequent and injuries could be more severe".

A recent report found that a quarter of Britons know an older person they think should quit driving due to safety concerns.

Mr Wilson warned that road safety is of "paramount importance", with motorists urged to answer self-assessment questionnaires honestly and accurately, "otherwise you could find yourself in trouble with the law".

"Declaring a medical condition doesn't always mean you will lose your licence - you may need to make some adaptations to your car by fitting special controls," he stated.

Meanwhile, Tim Alcock, Director at LeaseCar, explained that the Government's proposed changes for older drivers "reflect a crucial conversation about how we support our ageing population while prioritising road safety for everyone".

There are roughly 6.3 million people aged 70 with valid driving licences in the UK, with more than 1.6 million in their 80s.