Following calls by Clwyd West AM, Darren Millar, the Welsh Government has agreed to take action to encourage Welsh drivers to take regular eyes tests by using electronic signs on Welsh motorways and trunk roads.
Vision Express, supported by road safety charity Brake, have been campaigning for electronic road signs to be used to encourage motorists to take an eye test during Road Safety Week in November and In support of the campaign, Darren raised the issue in the Senedd two weeks ago.
This week the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates AM, agreed to support their request.
In a letter to them he stated: “We would be happy to support your request to convey this safety message on our Variable Message Signs during Brake’s Road Safety Week from 21 — 27 November 2016. This would be subject to agreeing a form of words that can be displayed in both Welsh and English.”
Darren said:
“I am extremely pleased that the Cabinet Secretary has listened to the calls of Vision Express and Brake and acted upon them.
“Having good eyesight is essential to safe driving. Yet some drivers fail to get their eyes tested regularly, some going years or even decades without checking their vision is up to scratch. In fact poor vision is estimated to cause 2,900 road casualties every year.
“Currently, drivers of cars, vans and motorbikes are only required to have their eyesight checked once, when they take their driving test, by reading a number-plate. Beyond this, when they hit age 70, drivers must simply declare their vision meets legal requirements. This is grossly inadequate and needs to be changed.
“Using electronic signs on the A55, M4 and other main roads could help to encourage drivers to go for an eye test and prevent further casualties on our roads.”
For more about the Brake’s campaign visit: http://www.brake.org.uk/sharpen-up/15-facts-a-resources/facts/491-eyesight