Motorists to face mandatory eyesight checks on UK roads with failure resulting in ‘on spot’ licence revoking

The checks come as part of a broader effort by the police to reduce serious and fatal road traffic collisions across the county.

Inspector Jason Baxter of Specialist Operations at Lincolnshire Police emphasised the critical nature of the campaign, stating, "Good vision is a prerequisite of safe driving, so it's vital that before you get behind the wheel, you are sure that your eyesight is up to the task."

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk

The campaign includes voluntary roadside vision screening, where drivers are asked to read a number plate from 20 metres in good daylight conditions. Motorists must use any necessary eyesight correction, such as glasses, during the test.

But drivers who fail to meet the required standards could result in severe penalties including harsh fines of up to £1,000, three penalty points, and possible disqualification.

Baxter stressed the importance of driver responsibility, saying, "It's not acceptable to put other road users at risk and part of that is taking responsibility and making sure you are fit to drive in every way."

Under Cassie's Law legislation, drivers who fail the roadside test could have their licence revoked immediately if deemed unsafe by a police officer.

Eye experts have recommend that all motorists have regular sight tests every two years, unless advised otherwise by an optometrist. This helps ensure vision remains roadworthy, as eyesight can decline gradually over time.

The importance of these checks is underscored by recent data from the Department for Transport. It revealed an increase in fatalities and serious injuries among drivers over 70, with the risk accelerating for those over 80.

In response, road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart has proposed a scheme allowing GPs to prescribe mature driver assessments for older motorists. The £8.5million pilot programme aimed to assess up to 100,000 older drivers.

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at IAM RoadSmart, highlighted the need for such measures, stating, "We're concerned there's nothing formally in place to help older drivers who want to keep their driving in check."

The campaign highlighted the importance of regular eye tests for all motorists. Currently, drivers over 70 must renew their licence every three years to remain legally on the roads.

Failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including fines of up to £1,000 and penalty points. Age UK warned that driving with an expired licence is illegal and invalidates motor insurance.

Chief constable Jo Shiner, NPCC lead for roads policing, said: “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.”

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Petrol and diesel drivers urged to visit fuel station 'before a £2.40 increase tomorrow' - 'Don't forget!'
• Drivers could face more expensive petrol and diesel prices and car tax changes - What does the Budget mean for you?
• More than 1,000 Ford staff to strike tomorrow amid warnings industrial action could 'intensify'

In addition to the 20 metre 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.

Inspector Si Paull from Warwickshire Police, noted: “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.