Experts have urged older motorists to take an eye test to ensure they are safe to be on the road, as Labour considers introducing new rules to improve safety.
The Government is set to launch the long-awaited road safety strategy in the coming months, more than 10 years after the last strategy was published.
It is expected to introduce new measures to improve road safety, including lowering the drink-drive limit and tougher punishments for motorists who don't make passengers wear their seatbelts.
One of the most hotly debated factors that Labour could introduce is a mandatory eye test for all motorists over the age of 70.
Road safety campaigners have long called for older drivers to face mandatory eye tests, as vision issues can become more persistent and serious as someone gets older.
There have also been a number of high-profile incidents involving older motorists killing or seriously injuring other road users as a result of their vision.
In one instance, Dr James Adeley, the senior coroner for Lancashire, described the UK's self-certification system as the "laxest in Europe".
He made this statement after an older driver with severe vision issues killed a pedestrian, despite being told to stop driving as a result of her vision.
Experts have backed calls for older drivers to face mandatory eye tests
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One expert acknowledged the potential road changes, noting that all drivers should always ensure that they are safe to drive on UK roads.
Rhydian Jones, car insurance expert at confused.com, explained that motorists of all ages should take matters into their own hands and be safe.
He added: "For drivers over 70, eyesight can change gradually without realising, and that can have an impact on the ability to react to hazards, read road signs or judge distances.
"And this change should also be a reminder to all drivers to keep on top of yearly eye tests.
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"Eye tests don’t just check if you need a new prescription, but they can also spot underlying health conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes or high blood pressure, all of which can affect your driving."
The expert called on elderly drivers to book a vision appointment if they notice any changes to their eyesight.
Older motorists are also required to notify the DVLA of any medical conditions that could impact their ability to be behind the wheel.
Mr Jones warned that drivers could be fined £1,000 and receive penalty points on their licence if they fail their eye test and continue to drive.
Motorists are encouraged to get their eyes checked every two years | PAIn extreme circumstances, motorists can also be banned from driving, especially if their sight issues contributed to an accident involving other vehicles.
Motorists must be able to read a standard number plate manufactured after 2001 from 20 metres away. This is conducted before someone takes their practical driving test.
The wider medical industry has backed the proposals from Labour to introduce a mandatory eye test for motorists over the age of 70, including the Association of Optometrists (AOP).
Adam Sampson, chief executive of the association, said it was a "long overdue step towards modernising road safety" and was a "proportionate and necessary response to ensure fitness to drive".