Drivers across a UK county have been warned that they could lose their licence on the spot on they fail an unexpected yet compulsory roadside test.
Staffordshire Police has announced the roll out of mandatory eyesight checks across Stoke-on-Trent which will assess whether motorists have good enough vision to remain on the roads.
The move is part of the National Police Chief’s Council’s ‘Is Your Vision Roadworthy’ project in a bid to cut down on road accidents across the country.
Inspector Sion Hathaway from Staffordshire Police’s Road Crime Team highlighted the importance good eyesight has for drivers, occupants, and all surrounding road users.
He explained: “It is vital that we do all we can to make sure that, when you get behind the wheel, you are not putting yourself or others at risk of injury or worse, especially during the dark winter months.”
Operating until Sunday November 10 2024, police officers across the area will have the power to stop vehicles and make sure the driver has adequate vision standards.
Similar to during the practical driving test, motorists will be asked to read number plates on vehicles located roughly 20 metres away from them.
Whilst the test may seem overly time consuming and unnecessary, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) noted that poor eyesight was a contributory factor in 176 collisions across the UK.
As a result, drivers who fail the eyesight test may have to face particularly severe consequences, such as fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points.
In some cases, motorists could also be disqualified from driving in a bid to make sure that their poor eyesight does not lead to further accidents.
Similarly, drivers who have a known problem with their eyesight must contact the DVLA
A motoring expert from Swansway Motor Group noted that the stops could have a particular impact on older drivers who have held their licence for a long time.
They warned: “This police-led initiative is all about the importance of good eyesight for road safety. With roadside eyesight checks in place, the police are emphasising how vision affects a driver’s ability to respond safely on the road.
“Older drivers may not always notice gradual changes in eyesight, making this initiative especially important for them. Regular eyesight checks are a positive step toward safer roads, supporting older motorists in driving with confidence while protecting themselves and others.”
