DRIVING licences could be revoked for those with bad eyesight as part of a month-long police clampdown.
The initiative, running through September, aims to ensure those on the roads can pass the legally required 20-metre number plate check.
If drivers are stopped by road policing officers and are incapable of reading a number plate from that distance they could have their licenses immediately revoked.
Road safety charity Brake will collect data from each test undertaken by West Midlands Police officers.
The figures will then be used to gain an improved understanding of the extent of poor driver eyesight on the roads.
The charity says these statistics are thought to be vastly under-reported in government figures.
An estimated 1.5million UK licence holders have never had an eye test, the charity says.
It added crashes involving a driver with defective eyesight are thought to cause 2,900 casualties every year on the nation’s roads.
It has branded UK driver vision testing ‘inadequate and antiquated’ – requiring only one vision assessment.
Brake is urging the government to strengthen UK driver vision laws and make eyesight testing compulsory.
It says an assessment should be taken before driving tests and each time a driver renews their photocard license.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said: “I fully support West Midlands Police as they begin sight testing drivers on our roads.
“It is vital people who get behind the wheel of a car have good eyesight and can see potential hazards clearly and in good time.
“I have been a long term campaigner for safer roads and for measures like this that can protect life.
“Ensuring our roads are safe is one of my top priorities.”
Hampshire Police’s sergeant Rob Heard, representing the police forces taking part in the campaign, said: “The legal limit is being able to read a number plate at 20-metre – around five car lengths.
“However this is a minimum requirement and a regular eyesight test with an optician is a must if people are to be safe on the road.
“Since 2013, the police have a new procedure – Cassie’s Law – to fast track notification to the DVLA should they find someone who cannot read a number plate at 20-metre in daylight conditions.
“During September, we will be carrying out 20-metre number plate checks at every opportunity and those who fail will have their licences revoked.
“I hope we do not find anyone and everyone makes sure they are safe to read the road ahead.”
