Devon & Cornwall Police News site

This week, Devon & Cornwall Police has been supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council campaign, ‘Is Your Vision Roadworthy?’, which highlights motorists’ legal obligation to make sure their vision is sufficient when behind the wheel.

Over a five-year period between 2013 and 2017, the DVLA received 857,896 health notifications relating to changes in eyesight.

Chief Inspector Ben Asprey, of the Devon & Cornwall roads policing unit, said: "We’re supporting the ‘Is Your Vision Roadworthy’ campaign which aims to reduce collisions on our roads.

"The majority of the information needed by drivers on the roads is visual, so it’s really important that motorists have regular eye tests as vision can decline gradually over time.

“Eye experts recommend all motorists have their eyes tested every two years, unless advised otherwise by their optician.

“We’re urging everyone to make sure they have regular eyesight tests, and to check that friends and older relatives are getting tested regularly too.

“Drivers who fail to meet the required standards are not only breaking the law; they’re putting themselves and other road users at risk.”

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.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner, National Police Chief Constable Lead Roads Policing comments: “Personal responsibility is the starting point for safer roads. 

“Making sure your eyesight meets the standards of vision for driving is really important and something only you can do to keep yourself and all other road users safe while driving.”

Anyone wanting to know more about the legal eyesight standards for motorists is invited to attend an ’Is Your Vision Roadworthy?’ webinar at 2pm on 14 March 2023. To register for this free event, which is hosted by TV and radio presenter Valerie Singleton OBE, visit: VisionAndDriving.info