§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent research his Department has evaluated into the awareness of drivers of poor eyesight. [12863]
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§ Ms Glenda JacksonIn 1995 the Department commissioned Professor W.N. Charman of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology to undertake a thorough review of the research on driver vision standards.
The Department published his report earlier this year and it is available as "Road Safety Research Report No. 2 vision and Driving—A Literature Review and Commentary". I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's estimate of the number of drivers in the United Kingdom who are unaware that their eyesight is below the safe minimum standard. [12793]
§ Ms JacksonA survey carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory 1992 found that about 2.5 per cent. of drivers did not meet the statutory requirement of being able to read a number plate in good light from a distance of 20.5m with glasses or contact lenses if worn. A subsequent survey commissioned by others has suggested a higher figure. It would clearly be difficult to establish how many of the drivers concerned were unaware that their eyesight had fallen below the required standard. The Department strongly advises drivers to check themselves against the number plate standard regularly. Where eyesight is below the required standard, the normal remedy will be to obtain new glasses or contact lenses. Drivers who cannot meet the standard must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency immediately and stop driving; otherwise they are committing a criminal offence. Drivers who require glasses or contact lenses in order to meet the standard must wear them whenever driving.