Drivers in part of the West Midlands could face immediate revocation of their driving licences as part of a new campaign focused on road safety, particularly highlighting the importance of good eyesight. The initiative, named ‘is your vision roadworthy?’, is being carried out by Staffordshire Police as part of Operation Dark Night and will be active until November 10.
Staffordshire Police’s Inspector Sion Hathaway remarked on the necessity of the tests stating: “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.”
A spokesperson from Swansway Motor Group underscored the significance of this police-led operation for road safety, pointing out how crucial vision is for drivers’ reaction times. They warned, especially pertaining to older drivers who might not notice the gradual loss of eyesight, “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.”
Staffordshire Police have issued a stern warning to drivers, stating that failing a roadside eyesight test could result in immediate licence revocation, three penalty points, and a fine of up to £1,000. The law stipulates that drivers must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from a distance of 20 metres, reports Birmingham Live.
Furthermore, drivers are required to meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye.
Additionally, drivers must also have an adequate field of vision – your optician can provide more information about this and conduct a test.