Keir Starmer told to introduce new older driver rule immediately

Labour has been told to introduce "mandatory vision checks” for all motorists, with older drivers told to sit an eye test every three years past the age of 70. Dr Peter Hampson, Optometrist and Clinical and Policy Director at the Association of Optometrists (AOP), stressed the group “had long called” for tougher vision checks on UK roads.

The AOP claimed the current rules around road vision checks were “out of step” and needed to be reviewed. Currently, road users are only required to self-certify they are safe behind the wheel to keep their driving licence, and individuals are not forced to undertake any assessments. After similar remarks from the Older Drivers Forum and a leading coroner, the remarks pile more pressure on Sir Keir Starmer and the Government to react and change the rules.

Speaking exclusively to the Express, Peter said: “The UK system around drivers vision is out of step with many other countries who instead use a full sight test to ensure vision meets the standard.

“In fact, within Europe, we are one of only five countries that uses a numberplate test and only one of three countries to rely on self-reporting.

“We have long called for mandatory vision checks at first licence application and at every renewal – every 10 years for most drivers, every three years for those over 70.

“With over 7,000 optometry practices nationwide, optometrists are well placed to support the delivery of these checks swiftly and effectively.”

Dr James Adeley stressed the UK system was the “worst in Europe" as he looked into the deaths of four pedestrians killed by older drivers.

The Older Drivers Forum supports the introduction of compulsory eyesight checks to make sure road users getting behind the wheel are safe.

They said: “The Forum recommend that all drivers have an optician’s eyesight test at least every 2 years. Nearly 90% of driving is visual and we need good vision to see hazards and react to them.”

The AOP admitted that the introduction of further checks on older drivers would not lead to backlogs for eye test appointments with plenty of space until firms hit capacity.

Peter told the Express: “Unlike other parts of primary care, such as dentistry or for GPs, optometry does not have long waits for appointments or the capacity challenges that we see elsewhere in the NHS.

“Optometrists already see many patients that fall within this age group. This is because those over the age of 60 are entitled to an NHS sight test that comes at no cost to the patient.”