West Yorkshire Police are carrying out roadside eyesight checks as part of a national road safety campaign aimed at protecting vulnerable road users during the darker months.

From 27 October to 9 November, police officers from the Road Policing Unit will be stopping drivers to ensure their eyesight meets legal standards and that their vehicles’ lights are in working order.

The checks are part of Operation Dark Night, which focuses on improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders as visibility decreases through autumn and winter.

Officers will also be engaging with local horse-riding groups and other road users to promote the use of reflective clothing and lighting.

Sergeant Jonathan Pickard of the Roads Policing Unit said the operation is a reminder that road safety begins with clear vision.

He said: “As the nights get darker, it’s vital that all road users are aware of the importance of being seen and staying safe.”

By law, drivers must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres away, which is about five cars’ lengths.

Drivers who fail to meet eyesight standards will face a range of penalties, including a fine of up to £1,000, three penalty points, or even immediate licence revocation under Cassie’s Law, which allows police to remove unsafe drivers from the road on the spot.

Officers are also reminding drivers that they must notify the DVLA of any eyesight condition affecting both eyes, or their remaining eye if they only have vision in one.

Sergeant Pickard added: “Checking your eyesight regularly is just as important as making sure your vehicle is roadworthy, whatever age you are.”

Operation Dark Night supports West Yorkshire’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the region’s roads through a combination of education, enforcement and community engagement.