Labour confirms huge update on plans to force elderly drivers to take mandatory eye tests

Labour has provided an update on plans to introduce new eyesight rules for elderly motorists following the publication of groundbreaking road safety plans.The new Road Safety Strategy was unveiled in January, marking the first national scheme introduced by the Government in around 15 years.Ministers backed the release of the Road Safety Strategy for introducing a number of proposals in a bid to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads across Great Britain by 65 per cent by 2035.A 70 per cent reduction target has also been unveiled to slash the number of people under 16 being killed or seriously injured on roads. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say One of the most controversial proposals included in the document was to consult on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70.It explained that these measures aim to reduce deaths and injuries involving older motorists, while keeping them mobile and independent at the same time.Labour said it would continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs' Council to emphasise the importance of regular eyesight tests for all drivers.A consultation was launched in January following the publication of the Road Safety Strategy, with it coming to an end in May.Independent MP James McMurdock tabled a question for Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander regarding the proposals for elderly drivers to face new tests.The MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock asked what assessment had been made of the potential merits of introducing eyesight checks for drivers over the age of 70.Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood responded on behalf of Ms Alexander, explaining that drivers of any age have a legal responsibility to inform the DVLA of any medical conditions that could impact their ability to drive.The DVLA conducts investigations to see if drivers with a medical condition meet appropriate standards, at which point, they will receive their licence.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSBYD confirms huge UK rollout of revolutionary tech that charges electric cars in just FIVE minutesLabour could launch in-car restrictions to crack down on driving offences under fresh plansUnion warns Labour will 'decimate auto industry' by not 'radically reducing' electric car targetsMs Greenwood, who represents Labour for Nottingham South, reiterated that the public consultation ended on May 11.She added: The Department for Transport is currently analysing the responses, and the government response will be published once that is complete.The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed part of the consultation. No decisions will be made until the responses to the consultation have been carefully considered.The MP highlighted that the consultation took into account other considerations around any potential new eyesight tests.She confirmed that no decisions would be made until all feedback to the consultation had been carefully considered by the Department for Transport.Ms Greenwood noted that the consultation was focused on mandatory eyesight testing of drivers over the age of 70, but that more needed to be done to address motorists of all ages.She said that this would attract challenges that needed to be considered to inform future decisions, including cognitive assessments. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter