Older motorists could have driving licences revoked at roadside for failing eye test

The new national safety campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the dangers involved in driving with vision that does not meet legal limits.

To be on the road, motorists must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, which is roughly the length of five parked cars.

On the Snellen scale, motorists must meet the minimum eyesight standard by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12). This can be tested with glasses or contact lenses.

However, one of the drivers pulled over by Lincolnshire Police was found to only be able to read a number plate from six metres, the BBC reported.

Inspector Jason Baxter confirmed that police officers had the power to revoke driving licences on the spot if motorists are found to be unable to meet vision criteria.

He pointed to estimates which suggested that between five and 10 per cent of drivers and riders across the country do not meet the required standards.

Inspector Baxter highlighted one driver who had his licence revoked at the roadside after he was unable to see a number plate from more than 20 feet away, despite the legal minimum being 65 feet.

While the roadside tests are voluntary, the police can request that they take a test if they have already committed an offence.

Cassie's Law states that police forces are able to contact the DVLA and revoke a driving licence immediately if someone fails a roadside test.

The rules were introduced following the death of 16-year-old Cassie McCord, who was killed by an 87-year-old driver who had failed an eye test days earlier.

Labour is poised to introduce new rules to improve conditions across the country with the impending release of the Road Safety Strategy.

This could include the introduction of mandatory vision tests for motorists over the age of 70, as well as tougher drink-driving limits.

Older motorists are required to renew their licence every three years once they reach the age of 70, compared to every 10 years for younger motorists.

Simon Outen-Coe, from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, noted that the new police initiative was not specifically targeted at older drivers.

He said: "Your eyesight standard applies whatever your age, the police will be pulling over anybody and everybody. Everybody should be checking their eyesight regularly, it's like a good MOT on your body.

"If an optician advises you to wear your glasses while driving, it's not an option. If you're involved in a collision and you weren't wearing them, you could be prosecuted."

Dr James Adeley, senior coroner for Lancashire, submitted evidence to the Government earlier this year, calling for stricter rules around the self-certification system after four people were killed by drivers with poor eyesight.
The expert described the UK's system as being the "laxest in Europe", which "needs to be assessed".

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. We are committed to improving road safety and continue to explore ways to achieve this."