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Written question asked by Lord Bradshaw (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 26 October 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 November 2016. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 November 2016 on behalf of the Department for Transport.


Driving: Eyesight

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 24 October (HL2259), what is their assessment of the views of Brake that regular eye tests for drivers could cut the number of casualties on roads, and whether they will reconsider using variable message signs on motorways and other major roads as a contribution to reducing road accidents.

Answer

I refer the Noble Lord to my previous answer of 24 October, which stated Highways England uses electronic variable message signs primarily to advise drivers of immediate safety issues and journey information. Highways England is not therefore seeking to use signs to raise awareness of general driver health issues and will not be displaying messages to encourage drivers to have their eyesight tested.

Britain’s roads are very safe by all international comparisons. We remain second only to Sweden in terms of global road safety, with 2014 witnessing the third lowest number of road deaths since records began.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2743
Session
2016-17
Related items
Driving: Eyesight
Monday, 24 October 2016
Written questions
House of Lords
Driving: Eyesight
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Driving Eyesight Testing Road signs and markings
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk