Mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 being proposed by HMG. Good or bad?

[otherclive]

As JC says motorway cameras can pick up cars and forward details and presumably they can be actioned by police cars, marked or unmarked. But to say the cameras are only revenue raising and not for safety ignores their prime purpose. That is to control traffic speeds and flows to aid the smooth, and safe flow of traffic. Without them many busy stretches of motorway would slow down with an increased risk of accidents slowing them down even more.

 

[Jcloughie]

The example I gave in #148 was for an operation the Police did in our area. I don’t know how often these ‘traps’ happen. But no doubt they are limited by lack of staff. But the idea of traffic cameras being able to undertake PNC checks would be automatic. (Though any follow up would take manpower). But I have no idea if the technology is fully implemented, or if that is the direction things are moving.

John

 

[Buckman]

As said only the law abiding drivers would take note of speed cameras. How will the speed camera prevent speeding, reckless driving etc as they can only monitor. We need a lot more traffic officers actually patrolling Motorway & A roads.

Just to add that numerous speed cameras on gantries have been switched off and millions will need to be paid in compensation. They recently found out that the time between the speed limit being changed and the camera acknowledging the change was a few seconds, but in that time numerous drivers were fined incorrectly for exceeding the speed limit with some being banned and losing their jobs.

 

[otherclive]

As said only the law abiding drivers would take note of speed cameras. How will the speed camera prevent speeding, reckless driving etc as they can only monitor. We need a lot more traffic officers actually patrolling Motorway & A roads.

Just to add that numerous speed cameras on gantries have been switched off and millions will need to be paid in compensation. They recently found out that the time between the speed limit being changed and the camera acknowledging the change was a few seconds, but in that time numerous drivers were fined incorrectly for exceeding the speed limit with some being banned and losing their jobs.

Not all drivers were fined a large number would not have been progressed, others would have been offered speed awareness courses. Once the issue came to light National Highways and the Police acted very quickly in moving to rectify to situation, which has regrettably put some drivers in a difficult position.

It’s an unfortunate incident but one that should not undermine the benefits of the speed and lane control gantries.

Thousands of drivers wrongly fined for speeding since 2021

An anomaly identified by National Highways caused thousands of incorrect speed camera activations.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Beachball]

Been to Specsavers today and check my eyes and he said everything was okay see you in two years time you will get a reminder .

 

[PTA]

If anyone has concerns about their motoring skills or wanting to improve them, have a look here. https://www.iamroadsmart.com/skills-days-2026/

Did that last May. Highly recommended.
Ahem,"Excellent overall."

 

[otherclive]

Been to Specsavers today and check my eyes and he said everything was okay see you in two years time you will get a reminder .

Why don’t you go each year. I’ve been doing that for years and especially when it is free for over 60s.

 

[RogerL]

Why don’t you go each year. I’ve been doing that for years and especially when it is free for over 60s.

It's only free for over 60s at the interval recommended by your optician - 2 years is the standard but some are recommended for retest at 1 year, some even shorter at 3 months.

 

[otherclive]

It's only free for over 60s at the interval recommended by your optician - 2 years is the standard but some are recommended for retest at 1 year, some even shorter at 3 months.

Oh, I just ring and book an eye test. Never been refused yet. Just kept on doing it after I passed the “ finishing post”.

 

[Buckman]

It's only free for over 60s at the interval recommended by your optician - 2 years is the standard but some are recommended for retest at 1 year, some even shorter at 3 months.

Due to medication I was recently prescribed, I was supposed to see an optician every 3 months. Over the years changes to my eyesight have not change much or not at all. Luckily I have been taken off that spefic medication so back to once a year.

 

[Sam Vimes]

Mileage obivously varies......

In Scotland eye tests are free to all. Recommendations are:-

1. Under 16s or over 60 - Annually
2. Between 16 - 59 - Bi-annually (or according the Scottish NHS - Bienially - which may be Gaelic or due to poor eyesight of the person writing the information)
3. Have Diabetes - Annually
4. Impaired Sight - Annually

Even south of the border I was told to have mine checked annually because of a family history of Glaucoma, which I haven't inherited it seems.

https://www.eyes.nhs.scot/media/1480/your-guide-to-free-nhs-eye-examinations-in-scotland.pdf

 

[RogerL]

Mileage obivously varies......

In Scotland eye tests are free to all. Recommendations are:-

1. Under 16s or over 60 - Annually
2. Between 16 - 59 - Bi-annually (or according the Scottish NHS - Bienially - which may be Gaelic or due to poor eyesight of the person writing the information)
3. Have Diabetes - Annually
4. Impaired Sight - Annually

Even south of the border I was told to have mine checked annually because of a family history of Glaucoma, which I haven't inherited it seems.

https://www.eyes.nhs.scot/media/1480/your-guide-to-free-nhs-eye-examinations-in-scotland.pdf

In England you could get free annual eye tests even if you're under 60 if you have a blood relative with glaucoma.

 

[Beachball]

Why don’t you go each year. I’ve been doing that for years and especially when it is free for over 60s.

Well I have been doing that until I got discharged from the hospital in 2016 but in April I will be 70 . so now every two years is fine for me .they had a good luck into my eyes because when I was younger I use to wear Glasses.

 

[Dustydog]

Well I have been doing that until I got discharged from the hospital in 2016 but in April I will be 70 . so now every two years is fine for me .they had a good luck into my eyes because when I was younger I use to wear Glasses.

BB What’s the problem my boy?
With all your documented issues you must be a prime candidate for an annual eye test! Never look a health check in the eye😜
I was told last year I was pre diabetic, not now, but sent on loads of free tests including eyes, lungs ct scans , annual blood tests etc.
Today with what’s not going on in Westminster and our declining ages take everything you are offered for the sake of your own health.