The Government is “open to considering” whether older motorists should be required to pass an eye test to keep their driving licence, following an inquest into four road deaths in Lancashire.
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, told the Commons Transport Select Committee that it may be included as part of the Government’s forthcoming road safety strategy.
Earlier this month, Senior Coroner Dr James Adeley provided her with a prevention of future deaths report, relating to the victims of road traffic collisions - Marie Cunningham, 79, Grace Foulds, 85, Peter Westwell, 80, and Anne Ferguson, 75.
All four were killed by drivers with failing eyesight and Neil Pemberton, 81, killed Clitheroe resident Peter Westwell, and was noted as having lied to the DVLA for years, and carried on driving despite being told not to.
“That, of course, was a situation where the optician had suggested to (three) individuals that they needed to advise the authorities that they had a medical condition which affected their eyesight and that they shouldn’t be driving.
“And of course, that didn’t happen. So, I am open to considering the evidence on this issue.”
READ MORE: Senior politicians back coroner's call to end eyesight self-certification for drivers
READ MORE: ‘Almost blind’ killer driver shows no understanding of responsibility – coroner
During the inquest conclusion, Dr Adeley described the UK’s licensing system as “the laxest in Europe”, as they are not subjected to mandatory checks of their skills or health once they obtain their licence.
Dr Adeley said: “Self-reporting of visual conditions permits drivers to lie about their current driving status to those performing an ophthalmic assessment and avoid warnings not to drive.
“Drivers may also admit they drive but then ignore instructions not to drive and fail to notify the DVLA.”
Yesterday, Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain wrote to Ms Alexander asking whether the government planned to implement robust systems such as mandatory eyesight tests and increased involvement from the DVLA in verifying driver eyesight.
Asked when the road safety strategy will be released, Ms Alexander said: “We will be publishing the first new road safety strategy in 10 years, and we hope to publish that document later this year.”
Share