Picture credit: Rex Features
Eyesight rules for mobility scooter users travelling at 8mph appeared to be changing faster than those for standard car drivers' vision after the government issued fresh guidance.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has advised powered mobility scooter and powered wheelchair users to have training and assessment before going on the road, including an assessment of their vision.
Guidance also urged road users to have regular sight tests, noting poor vision contributing to a road traffic incident could make them liable for a compensation claim.
There are currently no legal eyesight requirements for mobility scooter users on the road, but parliamentary under-secretary for state for transport Norman Baker said mandatory testing required further consideration.
The DfT was responding to a consultation on the matter, for which the Optical Confederation and College of Optometrists submitted views.
Mark Nevin, of the Optical Confederation, said: "We were pleased to support the work of the Department for Transport on this project.
'We welcome their recognition of the importance of always driving with good vision and thank them for introducing a clear and unambiguous visual acuity standard of 6/24 for mobility scooters.'
The DfT and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) were still consulting on minimum eyesight standards for car, motorcycle, bus and lorry drivers, the Confederation noted. A second consultation on this ended in December last year after it was proposed the number plate test would be made easier (News 18.03.11).