Roadside vision checks in force

Campaign was supported during road safety conference

The Is Your Vision Roadworthy? initiative run by the Older Drivers Forum, Eye Health UK and the University of Warwick has launched its third annual roadside vision screening campaign to raise awareness of eyesight rules for motorists.

Police Forces across the UK will conduct 20 metre number plate tests and run community engagement activities to remind motorists of their legal obligation to meet the legal eyesight standards.

The campaign, which began on 27 October and runs to 9 November, was supported by senior road policing officials at its official launch during the UKROEd road safety conference last week.

David Cartwight, chair of the charity Eye Health UK, said: “Road safety starts with clear vision. Up to 90 per cent of the information a driver uses is visual, yet many motorists are unaware of their legal responsibility to meet eyesight standards for driving. Worryingly, when we last surveyed motorists’ vision four in 10 drivers had not had a sight test in the last two years, as recommended.”

Taking place during the National Police Chiefs Council’s Operation Dark Night campaign, the roadside vision screening asks drivers to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres.

All tests will be conducted in good daylight conditions, using a registration plate affixed to a vehicle at the correct measured distance (20m), with the driver wearing any prescribed vision correction worn at the time of driving.

Rob Heard, chair of the Older Drivers Forum, said: “This campaign is a timely reminder of motorists’ responsibility to ensure their vision is fit to drive – and highlights the fact that routine sight tests are important safety checks, just like an MOT is for your car. It also keeps the issue of vision and driving in the spotlight ahead of the Department for Transport’s forthcoming Road Safety Strategy.”

Results from the nationwide roadside vision screening activity will be released in the New Year, and form part of the campaign’s ongoing advocacy work.

Pictured (L-R) are: Rob Heard; chief constable Jo Shiner; police and crime commissioner Joy Allen, who is responsible for leading road safety for PCC’s nationally; chief superintendent Marc Clothier, who is head of operations, intelligence and investigations at National Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence.

Visit the campaign website at VisionAndDriving.info

Roadside check photograph courtesy of Merseyside Police.