Police promoting road safety for all drivers and ensuring fitness to drive

Cheshire Constabulary is joining police forces across the UK in supporting Operation Insight, a national road safety initiative focused on improving road safety for everyone.

They are raising awareness of vulnerable road users and the importance of being fit to drive, including having eyesight that meets the legal standard.

Between 26th October and 8th November, officers will be carrying out roadside vision screenings and engaging with motorists about their legal responsibility to ensure their eyesight meets the required standard for driving.

Good vision is essential for road safety. Nationally, around 3,000 people are seriously injured each year in collisions involving drivers or riders with uncorrected or defective eyesight, while 18 people lost their lives on UK roads in 2025 as a result of vision-related factors.

The law requires motorists to be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres away, equivalent to around five car lengths, and to meet the minimum visual standards for driving. Drivers who require glasses or contact lenses must wear them whenever driving.

The campaign comes at a time when more people are choosing to drive later in life, helping them to maintain their independence and stay connected to family, friends, and their communities. Over the past 20 years, the proportion of people aged 70 and over holding a driving licence has increased significantly, reflecting both an ageing population and the fact that many people are remaining active and mobile for longer. While the vast majority of older motorists are safe and responsible road users, eyesight and general health can change gradually over time, often without people noticing.

Research also suggests that when drivers aged 70 and over are involved in an injury collision, they are more likely to be killed or seriously injured than younger drivers. Regular eyesight checks can help identify issues early and provide reassurance that motorists continue to meet the legal standard required for driving.

Officers are keen to stress that the campaign is not aimed at any particular age group. Instead, it is designed to remind all road users that good eyesight is a fundamental requirement for safe driving and that maintaining good vision is an important part of overall fitness to drive.

Chief Inspector Cameron Taylor, Head of Roads and Crime for Cheshire Constabulary, said:

"Good eyesight is one of the most important requirements for safe driving yet changes in vision can happen so gradually that people may not realise their sight has deteriorated. More people are driving well into later life than ever before, which is something to be welcomed. Being able to drive safely helps people maintain their independence, stay connected with loved ones and continue to access work, services, and leisure activities.

"Operation Insight is about encouraging all motorists to take responsibility for checking that their eyesight meets the legal standard required for driving. While some changes in eyesight become more common as we age, vision can change at any stage of life. That's why this campaign is aimed at all drivers.

"Regular eye tests provide reassurance that you continue to meet the legal standard for driving and may identify issues before they become a risk. Our message is simple: if you drive, make sure your eyesight is checked regularly and that you wear any corrective lenses you need.

"The vast majority of drivers are responsible road users. By keeping on top of our eyesight and overall fitness to drive, we can all play our part in making Cheshire's roads safer."

During roadside screenings, officers will ask drivers to read a vehicle registration plate from the legally required distance of 20 metres, under appropriate daylight conditions and while wearing any corrective lenses they normally use for driving.

Under legislation known as Cassie's Law, drivers who fail a roadside eyesight test and are deemed unsafe to continue driving may have their licence revoked through referring the circumstances to the DVLA.

Motorists are encouraged to have their eyesight tested at least every two years, even if they believe their vision is unaffected.

For practical advice and information about eyesight and driving, visit: 

www.isyourvisionroadworthy.org.uk