It beggars belief that the consultation for the standards relating to drivers' vision suggests relaxation (news).
Pretty much everyone agrees that the old-style number plate test needs to be replaced with an acuity standard and the rules generally toughened up. But the government leaves no confusion over how it sees the situation. The press release could have been written by Jeremy Clarkson. It boasts that Britain has some of the safest roads in the world but talks of avoiding 'unnecessary restrictions on people's independence' and 'allowing as many people to drive as possible'. It concludes that relaxation of standards is consistent with road safety. The government doesn't want legislation and it doesn't consider eyesight and driving to be a hot issue.
Quoted in the Telegraph the executive director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, Rob Gifford, expresses caution over reducing standards and fixing something which 'ain't broke'. Even the AA adds its voice to those calling for tougher driving and vision standards.
Optician's driving and vision series (www.opticianonline.net) has outlined the current legislative situation, the need for an acuity test and an improved model for screening. It was hoped that the UK would enjoy tougher rules to bring it into line with other EU states but optics didn't get the message across.
Instead the government seems intent on bringing Britain into line with other EU states by worsening our road safety record.