Poor eyesight bans 4,000 from road

24/10/11

By Leo Stevens

An increasing number of drivers are having their licences revoked because their eyesight is not good enough, a study has revealed.

Research by the Co-operative Motor Group revealed that cases have more than doubled since 2006, with 1,597 licences withdrawn due to poor eyesight that year, compared to 4,009 in 2010.

Drivers who think their eyesight might not be good enough for driving are legally obliged to raise these concerns with a doctor or eye specialist, who might advise them to inform the DVLA about their condition.

Those who fail to comply could be fined up to £1,000 and could also invalidate their car insurance policy.

Co-operative Motor Group managing director Tony Guest said: "Good eyesight is essential to safe motoring, and we would urge anybody who has concerns over their vision to contact a specialist. There is no room for complacency when it comes to road safety."