Bob
24th August 2006, 21:31
South Wales Police have carried out some of the first roadside eye tests in the UK as part of a new pilot scheme. There are concerns that many motorists are driving with poor sight which is leading to accidents, deaths and serious injuries.
Some 300 drivers were stopped for a two-minute check near Abergavenny, where they had to read four number plates at different distances. Officials said five would have failed the eyesight part of the driving test.
New drivers' sight is checked when they sit their test, but it does not need to be examined again until they are 70.
Inspector Glyn Fernquest of Gwent Police said: "Although driving without the required vision is an offence which can carry a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points, our aim in this survey is to gain a better understanding of the likely size of the problem, and to encourage regular vision checks."
Some 300 drivers were stopped for a two-minute check near Abergavenny, where they had to read four number plates at different distances. Officials said five would have failed the eyesight part of the driving test.
New drivers' sight is checked when they sit their test, but it does not need to be examined again until they are 70.
Inspector Glyn Fernquest of Gwent Police said: "Although driving without the required vision is an offence which can carry a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points, our aim in this survey is to gain a better understanding of the likely size of the problem, and to encourage regular vision checks."