DRIVERS in Warwickshire face roadside vision tests.
Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is supporting a national road safety eyesight campaign and is reminding drivers they have a legal obligation to ensure their vision is roadworthy every time they get behind the wheel.
As part of the ‘Is Your Vision Roadworthy?’ initiative, which is being supported by a host of motoring, road safety and optical organisations, Warwickshire Police will be conducting roadside vision screening across the county.
Sgt Shaun Bridle of Warwickshire Police said: “Most drivers know that worn or defective tyres on their vehicle can result in a fine and penalty points, but they are less likely to realise that driving with uncorrected defective eyesight is punishable with a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and possible disqualification and also can increase your risk of a collision occurring.
“Ninety per cent of the information a driver uses is visual, so we want to use the roadside screening to raise awareness of the fundamental importance of good eyesight. Drivers who fail to meet the required standards are not only breaking the law but putting themselves and other road users at risk.”
The voluntary roadside vision screening will ask 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 spectacles or contact lenses worn at the time of driving.
Under legislation known as Cassie’s Law, drivers who fail a roadside number plate test could have their licence revoked on the spot if a police officer deems them to be unsafe to be on the road. Other penalties for not meeting the legal eyesight standards include a possible fine or penalty points on your licence.
Full details of the legal eyesight standards for all motorists can be found at gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules
