Drivers in several major areas will now have to undergo an eye test in the event that they are pulled over by the police as part of a new initiative to raise driving standards.
As per the vision test in the driving examination, a numberplate must be read from a distance of 20 metres. If the driver fails the check, their licence will be instantly revoked, reports the Telegraph.
Police forces in Thames Valley, Hampshire and the West Midlands have adopted the scheme and will provide data to gauge the scale of the problem across the country.
Wyn Parry, the senior doctor at the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency, said: “Having good eyesight is essential for safe driving, so it’s really important for drivers to have regular eye tests. Eyesight can naturally deteriorate over time, so anyone concerned about their eyesight should visit their optician. Don’t wait for your next check-up.”
Every police pull-over will go through the basic eye test. “Not being able to see a hazard or react to a situation quickly enough can have catastrophic consequences,” said Rob Heard, the police sergeant speaking for the participating forces.
The DVLA launched a road safety campaign to encourage regular eye tests for drivers, while road safety charity Brake and opticians Vision Express have announced their support of the initiative. Brake’s director for campaigns, Joshua Harris, described the current laws around eye tests for drivers a “shortfall in the law” and urged the Government to change this to make drivers safer.
Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson said: “It is estimated that as many as 1.5 million UK licence holders have never even had an eye test and road crashes caused by poor driver vision are estimated to cause 2,900 casualties. However, the 'numberplate' test was introduced over 80 years ago before the Second World War and eye-testing has advanced significantly since then.”
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Roadside eye testing by Police.
I was puzzled by this announcement until I did some internet searching. This is merely a speeding up of a procedure that has existed for years. The idea is to notify the medical dept at DVLA by phoning or email or letter. Only the SEcretary of State for Transport can revoke a licence-in practise the Medical Advisers and civil servants at Swansea. RTA 1972 Unless it has changed since my day. An instant revocation has always been possible but rarely used in my experience. Normally seven days notice had to be given to allow for delivery of the letter. A numberplate test has to be conducted in good light. It is open to any driver who has had a licence revoked to reapply with fresh medical evidence eg new specs. No idea what happens to the vehicle if a licence is revoked over the phone.
A good idea.....
We’ll see!, that’s the pun over now, then!, yes an Eye test,but immediately pulling your licence?!, that can’t be?, Police would be super busy wouldn’t they?, what happens to your Car if your not allowed behind the Wheel?, is it impounded?, are you liable for impounding costs?, how long will it take to do the test?, will the Police have to carry something and measure exactly 80ft? , and what if the Weather is bad?, will they do the test?. I think a warning and be asked to provide proof in seven Days that you have had an Eye test at one of the Police recommended Opticians, wouldn’t that be better than taking someone’s livelihood away from them causing hardship to them ?