Motorists aged 70 and over in England are set to face new compulsory eyesight tests as part of a major road safety overhaul introduced by the Labour government.
A New Vision for Road Safety
The proposed rule forms a central pillar of the government's new Road Safety Strategy. It marks a significant shift from the current system, which relies on a self-declaration from drivers about their vision when renewing their licence after the age of 70.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that every road death is a profound tragedy, adding that road safety progress had stalled for too long. She described the new strategy as a decisive turning point, with measures predicted to save thousands of lives in the next ten years.
Addressing an "Ineffective and Unsafe" System
The push for reform follows serious concerns from coroners and medical professionals about the inadequacy of the existing framework. Dr James Adeley, HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, issued a stark Prevention of Future Deaths notice after an inquest into four fatalities linked to poor driver eyesight.
Dr Adeley condemned the current self-reporting model as "ineffective and unsafe." Experts argue that many drivers may not realise their sight has gradually deteriorated below the legal standard for driving, creating a preventable risk on the roads.
Dr Peter Hampson, clinical and policy director at the Association of Optometrists (AOP), welcomed the change. He noted it would bring the UK in line with much of Europe, establishing a fair and consistent system where eyesight is assessed by qualified professionals.
Expert Backing for Simple, Practical Change
Optometry bodies have strongly endorsed the proposals. Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, called the plans "simple and practical."
He explained that as we age, eye conditions become more common and vision naturally changes. Regular professional testing would allow problems to be identified earlier, enabling treatment or licence adjustments before a crisis occurs.
Mr Hardiman-McCartney emphasised that a more robust implementation of the UK's existing vision standards would have a considerable effect on reducing avoidable collisions, making roads safer for all users.
The government's strategy aims to protect everyone, from new drivers to older motorists seeking to maintain their independence safely. This move towards compulsory testing for over-70s is positioned as a vital step in modernising road safety and preventing avoidable, vision-related tragedies.
