Drivers warned they could lose licence as part of new police checks

Compulsory roadside eyesight tests have been introduced across the UK as part of a national police campaign to improve road safety. The initiative highlights the importance of regular eye checks, with law enforcement carrying out screenings to ensure drivers meet the necessary vision standards.

Those who fail could face penalties such as fines up to £1,000, penalty points, or even disqualification. Staffordshire Police said that the National Police Chief's Council's 'is your vision roadworthy?' project, which is part of its Operation Dark Night campaign, started on Monday and will run until November 10.

As part of this project, officers will be conducting roadside number plate vision tests at every opportunity, including during any traffic-related stops. The campaign's aim is to ensure as many people as possible can prove they comply with the law – being able to correctly read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres in daylight, as well as meeting the minimum eyesight standard and demonstrating they have an adequate field of vision.

Drivers who fail a vision test could face immediate consequences under Cassie's Law, which was implemented in February 2013 after the tragic death of 16 year old Cassie McCord. Cassie was fatally hit by an 87 year old driver in Colchester on her way to school, just days after he failed an eyesight test and refused to surrender his licence, reports Birmingham Live.

Staffordshire Police have confirmed that drivers who fail roadside eyesight tests could face immediate revocation of their licences, accrue three penalty points, and potentially be fined as much as £1,000. Inspector Sion Hathaway from the force's Road Crime Team highlighted the crucial aspect of safety when he said: "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 darker winter months."

In a move that underscores the critical link between good vision and road safety, experts at Swansway Motor Group are calling for regular eyesight checks, with a specific emphasis on elderly drivers. A spokesperson for the group remarked: "This police-led initiative is all about the importance of good eyesight for road safety. With roadside eyesight checks in place, the police emphasise how vision affects a driver's ability to respond safely on the road. It's a proactive measure to reduce accidents and enhance safety for all.

"The initiative aims to raise awareness among drivers about the link between clear vision and safe driving. With roadside screenings now available, motorists are reminded to prioritise their eyesight, bearing in mind how it affects their safety and that of others on the road.

"Routine eyesight tests are a simple but effective way to boost driver safety, as even slight changes in vision can affect response times. This campaign reinforces that a quick, regular eye test can help prevent accidents and promote safer roads.

"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."