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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officers will also be engaging with local horse-riding groups and other road users to promote the use of reflective clothing and lighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sergeant Jonathan Pickard of the Roads Policing Unit said the operation is a reminder that road safety begins with clear vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: “As the nights get darker, it\u2019s vital that all road users are aware of the importance of being seen and staying safe.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By law, drivers must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres away, which is about five cars’ lengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drivers who fail to meet eyesight standards will face a range of penalties, including a fine of up to \u00a31,000, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sergeant Pickard added: “Checking your eyesight regularly is just as important as making sure your vehicle is roadworthy, whatever age you are.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n