Police are set to pull more drivers over for new roadside eyesight tests, with those who fail facing a driving ban under a tough new road safety crackdown.
The government has instructed officers to conduct more roadside tests to boost safety. Under the plans, police would stop motorists randomly and make them undergo eyesight checks, such as reading a number plate from a certain distance.
Drivers who fail these tests will have their driving licence revoked by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), effectively banning them from the roads as they are deemed a safety risk.
Government Road Safety Strategy
The roadside test plans form part of the government's new road safety strategy. The document states that ministers will "continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to highlight the importance of regular police roadside eyesight tests for all drivers, ensuring that those drivers who fail to meet the minimum eyesight standards required for driving will have their driving licence revoked by DVLA."
This comes amid wider plans for mandatory eyesight tests for drivers over the age of 70. Older drivers could also face new "cognitive tests" to ensure they are fit to remain behind the wheel.
Self-Reporting System Concerns
Currently, a self-reporting system is in place, sparking concerns that many cases may be slipping through the net. The strategy document says: "To improve safety outcomes for older drivers and others on the road, several policy options are being explored. The Government is consulting on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over age 70 and will develop options for cognitive testing for older drivers. These measures aim to reduce deaths and injuries involving older drivers, without unnecessarily restricting their mobility and personal freedom."
