Victory for Lancashire coroner - Government consulting on new eyesight tests for drivers over the age of 70
Drivers over the age of 70 could soon face mandatory eyesight tests every three years, the Government has announced.
The measure, which is being considered as part of a new Road Safety Strategy, comes after Dr James Adeley, former Senior Coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, called for changes last summer.
Following the deaths of four Lancashire pensioners in accidents connected to sight problems in older drivers, Dr Adeley sent a report to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to say action should be taken to prevent future deaths.
Dr Adeley was concerned that enforcement of visual legal standards for motorists is "ineffective and unsafe" and he labelled the licensing system as the "laxest in Europe", pointing out that the UK was one of only three countries to rely upon self-reporting of visual conditions affecting the ability to drive.
What’s happening?
Now, a consultation on mandatory eyesight testing for those over 70 will be launched, while options for cognitive testing will also be developed to protect all road users.
Lilian Greenwood, local transport minister, said in an inteview with Auto Express: “We know driving can be very important for older people’s wellbeing and help them to live independently, but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads. “As the country’s older population grows, our plans in the first road safety strategy in more than a decade will preserve personal freedoms where possible with action to save lives.”
The move has been welcomed by Rhydian Jones, confused.com car insurance expert, who said: “Having regular eye tests is essential in keeping our roads safe, for all drivers, no matter what age. That’s why the potential new rules for regular eye tests for older drivers are welcomed. For drivers over 70, eyesight can change gradually without realising, and that can have a real impact on the ability to react to hazards, read road signs or judge distances.
“And this change should also be a reminder to all drivers to keep on top of yearly eye tests. Eye tests don’t just check if you need a new prescription, but it can also spot underlying health conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes or high blood pressure, all of which can affect your driving. If drivers notice changes in their vision, it’s important to book an appointment sooner than this, and also notify the DVLA or any medical changes that could impact their licence. If a driver fails the roadside eye test, they could be fined £1,000 or receive penalty points or even be disqualified from driving."
Other measures being announced today include targeting the growing problem of illegal number plates, including ‘ghost’ plates designed to fool camera systems, a cracking down on uninsured drivers and vehicles without a valid MOT, and a consultation on lowering the drink drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967 and is currently the highest in Europe.
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: “Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence. The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.”
Ms Greenwood added: “Our vision with this ambitious road safety strategy is clear: to ensure that people can travel safely on our roads however they choose.
“One of the hardest parts of my job is speaking to families who have lost loved ones on our roads and this is something we as a government are taking action to prevent. No family should have to endure that loss, and this strategy sets out how we will work to ensure fewer do. Experts and campaigners have long called for a comprehensive strategy that treats road safety as a shared responsibility – from car manufacturers and town planners to drivers and legislators. This strategy, the first in over a decade, shows a government that is not just listening, but leading and together, we can build a safer future for all road users.”
A new Road Safety Board, chaired by the Minister for Local Transport, will oversee delivery of the strategy, supported by an expert advisory panel drawing membership from local authorities, emergency services, active travel groups and road safety organisations.
What are the current laws on eyesight and driving?
In the UK, the law requires drivers to have eyesight sharp enough to read a number plate from 20 metres (about five car lengths) and possess an adequate field of vision, using glasses or contacts if needed, with a visual acuity of at least 0.5 (6/12). Driving without meeting these standards can lead to prosecution, fines, or imprisonment, and it's illegal to drive if you need glasses but don't wear them. Drivers must also inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any medical conditions affecting their vision, with stricter rules for lorry/bus (Group 2) drivers.