§ Sir Roger MoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about new EC sight testing regulations for lorry drivers; if under these regulations moderately sighted drivers wearing glasses would be permitted to drive; and if he will make a statement. [10672]
§ Mr. NorrisIn response to a public consultation on implementing the eyesight requirements of the second EC directive on driving licences, a wide range of representative bodies and individuals offered comments. The directive introduces a higher standard of vision without glasses for lorry, and bus drivers who need to wear them for driving, in that both eyes must have an uncorrected acuity equivalent to at least 3/60 on the Snellen scale, rather than, as at present, one eye only. On that basis, the overwhelming majority of moderately sighted drivers wearing glasses would continue to be able to drive.