Hundreds of drivers’ get their eyesight tested to keep roads safe this winter

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has tested the eyesight of more than 500 motorists as part of a nationwide effort to improve road safety during the darker autumn and winter months.

The force joined the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) for Operation Dark Night, a two-week campaign that ran from 26 October to 9 November, aimed at tackling the increased risks drivers face as visibility naturally decreases.

As night falls earlier and conditions worsen, officers carried out morning and evening roadside checks across every district in Greater Manchester, focusing on driver eyesight and vehicle compliance. These factors are especially vital for protecting vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

Key results from the operation include: 523 drivers underwent roadside vision checks, 15 failed with all referred to the DVLA, two of the failed tests were connected to recent collisions and officers also identified a range of additional offences including drivers using mobile phones and not wearing seat belts.

Drivers are legally required to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If an officer determines a driver’s eyesight is below the legal standard, they have the power to revoke the licence on the spot. GMP is urging drivers to check their vision regularly, as low-light conditions often highlight eyesight deterioration that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Chief Inspector Michael Parker, of the Safer Transport Team, said: “Darker nights bring extra risks for everyone on the road. Good eyesight and vehicle compliance are essential for keeping people safe.

“It’s your responsibility to make sure your vision meets the legal standard and your vehicle is roadworthy. Regular checks can prevent collisions and save lives.

“Our officers enforce these rules all year round because safety matters. Please take the time to check your eyesight and your vehicle, don’t wait until it’s too late.”

The operation aligns with Greater Manchester’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate all deaths and life-changing injuries on local roads by 2040, with a target to reduce them by 50% by 2030. Nearly 10,000 people have been killed or seriously injured on the region’s roads over the past decade.

Julie Reide, Road Danger Reduction Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership, emphasised the importance of extra vigilance during winter:

“With the darker nights upon us, it is important to ensure that we are taking extra care to ensure the safety of ourselves and others, particularly people walking and riding a bicycle or motorcycle.

“It is essential to make sure your car is winter ready and that you can see the required distance clearly in the lower light; if in doubt, get checked out.

“Vision can decline gradually over time, so it’s recommended that motorists have sight tests every two years unless advised otherwise by an optometrist.

“Our ambition for Vision Zero can only be achieved if everyone plays their part.”

Drivers can find further information about legal eyesight requirements on the official gov.uk website.

Credit: Greater Manchester Police