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Lincolnshire Police to take part in the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) Operation Dark Night campaign with roadside tests planned




Police will be carrying out checks to ensure drivers’ eyesight is good enough to be safe on the roads at night — with a warning that fines and bans could be dished out.

The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) Operation Dark Night campaign, which runs to Sunday November 10, will see officers in Lincolnshire carrying out roadside vision tests.

Inspector Jason Baxter of Specialist Operations said: “Good vision is a prerequisite of safe driving, so it’s vital that before you get behind the wheel, you are sure that your eyesight is up to the task. We want to raise awareness of the importance of this and roadside screening will help ensure that Lincolnshire road users are safe.

Police carry out roadside checks. Photo: stock
Police carry out roadside checks. Photo: stock

“If you fail the required standards, you are breaking the law and this could mean a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points and even possible disqualification.

“It’s not acceptable to put other road users at risk and part of that is taking responsibility and making sure you are fit to drive in every way. Only when all drivers and riders do this, will we reduce the number of serious and fatal road traffic collisions.”

Voluntary roadside vision screening will ask drivers to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres in good daylight conditions, using a registration plate on a vehicle measured at the correct distance.

Some drivers can struggle on the roads at night. Source: iStock.
Some drivers can struggle on the roads at night. Source: iStock.

Cassie’s Law legislation means that 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 can include a fine or penalty points.

It’s recommended by eye experts that all motorists have regular sight tests – every two years unless advised otherwise by an optometrist – to help ensure that vision remains roadworthy.

The DVLA must be notified of some certain eyesight conditions. Full details of the legal eyesight standards for all motorists can be found at www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules

For practical advice and information around vision and driving, including a driving after dark checklist, please visit: www.visionanddriving.info

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