Three of England’s police forces – Thames Valley, Hampshire and West Midlands – are hoping to crackdown on drivers with sub-par eyesight by conducting roadside checks.
Drivers who are unable to read a number plate correctly from 20m away could have their licences revoked immediately.
According to police, data from the tests will help to improve understanding of the number of drivers who suffer from poor eyesight.
If officers feel a driver poses a threat to the safety of other road users, they can request an urgent revocation of their licence through the DVLA.
Currently, the only mandatory test of vision which drivers have to take is during their practical test; if drivers later struggle with their eyesight, it’s up to them to inform the DVLA.
“Not being able to see a hazard or react to a situation quickly enough can have catastrophic consequences,” Sgt Rob Heard told the BBC.
