Driver eyesight rules under review after coroner brands system “unsafe”
Driver eyesight rules, Steve Clarke, Marketing Manager at Fleetmaxx Solutions
The UK Government is reviewing the current eyesight requirements for drivers following a damning inquest that highlighted serious flaws in the system—calling it the “laxest in Europe.”
This follows a harrowing investigation by HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr James Adeley, who presided over inquests involving the deaths of four pedestrians—all tragically killed by drivers with known visual impairments. Dr Adeley has since written to the Transport Secretary, urging urgent reform to avoid further loss of life.
At the heart of this issue is the fact that the UK remains the only country in Europe where drivers can retain their licence without any formal eyesight checks until the age of 70. While it’s currently the driver’s responsibility to declare any medical conditions—including vision problems—this self-assessment system is now under serious scrutiny.
Driver eyesight rules: A system in need of repair
The cases presented at Preston Coroner’s Court were deeply troubling:
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Marie Cunningham (79) and Grace Foulds (85) were killed in Southport in 2021 by 68-year-old Glyn Jones, who knowingly continued driving despite poor eyesight that failed to meet legal standards. He was jailed for over seven years.
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Peter Westwell (80) was fatally struck in Langho by 81-year-old Neil Pemberton, who had been warned repeatedly by medical professionals not to drive due to his deteriorating vision. He received a 32-month prison sentence.
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Anne Ferguson (75) was hit by 72-year-old Vernon Law in Rochdale in 2023. Law had cataracts in both eyes and falsely claimed to an optometrist that he didn’t drive. He also failed to report his condition to the DVLA and was jailed for four years.
In each of these tragic cases, the drivers had ongoing vision problems and repeatedly failed to notify the DVLA—yet retained their licences.
Dr Adeley summed it up powerfully: “The current system for ensuring drivers meet the visual legal standards is ineffective, unsafe and unfit to meet the needs of society.”
What happens next?
The Department for Transport (DfT) has acknowledged the coroner’s report and stated it will be taken into account as part of a wider review into road safety. According to the BBC, the new road safety strategy and driver eyesight rules could be released by the end of the year, with a public consultation on any proposed changes expected to follow.
Currently, UK law states drivers must notify the DVLA if they have any condition that affects their vision, and the NHS advises eye tests every two years. However, this guidance is not enforceable.
Rob Heard, Chairman of the Older Drivers’ Forum, has called for mandatory eyesight checks for people aged 70 and over—suggesting that opticians and GPs should be required to report poor eyesight directly to the DVLA through an online system.
Driver eyesight rules: Fleetmaxx Solutions’ view
At Fleetmaxx Solutions, we are committed to road safety. As a provider of fuel cards, vehicle tracking, and fleet management solutions, we support any initiative that improves the safety and wellbeing of drivers and the public. Fleet managers and business owners alike should also take note—this evolving legislation may soon impact driver eligibility and compliance across commercial fleets.
Now is a good time for all employers to review their driver policies, encourage regular eye tests, and consider implementing their own checks as part of fleet safety protocols.
Eyesight might be a personal responsibility—but the consequences are public. It’s time for a system that reflects that reality.
Fleetmaxx Solutions is an introducer only, we are not acting as an insurance broker.
