Older drivers face new 'roadside tests' and 'serious consequences' for failing

Elderly drivers risk serious consequences after the introduction of new roadside eyesight tests. Road users have been warned over the harsher penalties which form part of a new initiative by the National Police Chief’s Council in Warwickshire.

The scheme allows police officers to conduct immediate eyesight checks by asking drivers to read number plates on the side of the road in Warwickshire. Trouble focusing or being dazzled by glare from oncoming headlights when driving at night can indicate that your vision is falling below the minimum eyesight standards.

Inspector Si Paull of Warwickshire Police said: "Most drivers know that worn or defective tyres on their vehicle can result in a fine and penalty points, but they are less likely to realise that driving with uncorrected defective eyesight is punishable with a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and possible disqualification and also can increase your risk of a collision occurring.

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"Ninety per cent of the information a driver uses is visual," Inspector Paull added, "so we want to use the roadside screening to raise awareness of the fundamental importance of good eyesight. Drivers who fail to meet the required standards are not only breaking the law but putting themselves and other road users at risk.”

Drivers who fail these roadside vision tests could face serious consequences, including a £1,000 fine, penalty points, or even disqualification from driving. In addition to the 20m number plate test the legal eyesight standards require motorists to have adequate fields of vision. The DVLA must also be notified about certain eyesight conditions. There are different standards for bus and lorry drivers (Group 2).

Chief Constable Jo Shiner, National Police Chief Constable Lead Roads Policing comments: “Personal responsibility is the starting point for safer roads. Making sure your eyesight meets the standards of vision for driving is really important and something only you can do to keep yourself and all other road users safe while driving.”