People across West Norfolk are being advised to make sure they have good eyesight in order to drive safely.
They are carrying out roadside screenings to make sure. You could immediately lose your licence if you fail, in some cases.
Norfolk Police say one incident demonstrates the importance of these checks.
PC Lucas Ward stopped a woman due to the poor manner of her driving in Aylsham in the North of the county last month. He carried out a simple 20m eyesight test at the roadside which she failed at 5m. This resulted in instant licence revocation by the DVLA.
The driver’s family later contacted the officer to thank him for his diligence. They said: “Just thought you may like to know that you quite possibly saved my mum’s life stopping her the other day. A CT scan showed she had a stroke on the Wednesday night and consequently, had no sight in her left eye when you witnessed her driving on Thursday.”
“If it wasn’t for you, she may have had a major stroke and consequences best not to think of. Thank you so much for your quick attention and care that day.”
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Norfolk Police say the voluntary roadside vision screening asks drivers to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres. All tests are conducted in good daylight conditions, using a registration plate affixed to a vehicle at the correct measured distance (20m), with the driver wearing any eyesight correction (eg: spectacles) worn at the time of driving.
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. Other penalties for not meeting the legal eyesight standards include a possible fine or penalty points on your licence.
