Drivers warned ahead of 'expected introduction of roadside eye tests' that will impact 'all road users'
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GB NEWS
An expert has predicted that motorists could see the introduction of roadside eye tests as a minimum requirement in the future to crack down on dangerous drivers.
Recent research has revealed that around one million people are believed to be driving illegally because their eyesight does not meet minimum standards.
Britons are expected to be able to read a number plate from at least 20 metres away, in accordance with the 1937 Road Traffic Act.
However, with so many motorists avoiding getting eye tests, it is believed that almost one million people could be at risk of being involved in an accident, research from Churchill found.
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Police forces across the UK are starting to conduct roadside eye tests
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An estimated 2.8 million people have never had an eye test as an adult, potentially leading to a rise in accidents. Department for Transport data shows that driving with poor vision led to 182 fatal or serious accidents last year.
Rhydian Jones, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said it is "essential" for motorists to have regular eye tests to make sure roads are safe for all motorists.
He added: "And to ensure this, there is expected to be an introduction of roadside eye tests.
"This could mean drivers are asked to read out number plates on the side of the road. And this doesn’t just affect older drivers, but all road users."
He warned that if a driver fails the test, they could be fined £1,000, receive penalty points on their licence or even be disqualified from driving.
Jones added: "To make sure you don't get caught out, drivers should always remember to have yearly eye tests.
"If you feel your eyesight has changed before your next test, it's good to book an appointment anyway and get it checked quickly."
Police forces around the UK are already cracking down on motorists with poor eyesight by conducting roadside tests to ensure drivers are able to meet minimum requirements.
It comes as Merseyside Police pulled over a driver with such bad eyesight that they could not read a number plate from as little as five metres away.
Roads policing inspector Gavin Dixon said drivers with poor eyesight were asked to read a number plate in the condition in which they were driving.
For example, if a motorist was not wearing their glasses when they were behind the wheel, they could not wear them when looking at the number plate.
Inspector Dixon told the BBC: "One person doing the test in this campaign wasn't able to read the number plate until they got within five metres, which is pretty drastic really.
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Drivers are encouraged to get their eyesight tested every year
PA"Studies have shown that about 90 per cent of the information you take in when you are driving is visual, so if you can't see properly then that's going to be a massive issue."
He called on motorists to be honest with themselves and get their eyes tested if they think it could put themselves or other road users at risk.
In the event that people continue to drive knowing that they have poor eyesight, an accident deemed to be their fault could see them charged with dangerous driving.
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