Drive Safe campaign

A Leading House of Lords Peer and two of the UK's most respected TV motoring journalists today have rallied behind Specsavers Opticians urging the Government to take action on driving with uncorrected vision.

Fifth Gear's Vicki Butler-Henderson, Driven's Penny Mallory and the Rt. Hon Earl of Caithness helped Specsavers deliver 5,000 signatures from British motorists to Number 10, Downing Street.

Rally driving champion and stunt driver, Penny Mallory, claims immediate action is required. She says: 'I was shocked to discover that one in four drivers on Britain's roads cannot see properly. There is absolutely no doubt that this is endangering the lives of other road users and pedestrians.'

Vicki Butler-Henderson backs this view. She says: 'Specsavers is not looking for unrealistic action but for practical measures to be introduced that will tackle the issue head on. I find it astonishing that this hasn't been addressed before now.'

The campaign has also received strong backing from senior House of Lords Peer, the Rt. Hon Earl of Caithness. He says: ' 'This campaign is all about safety and responsibility. Specsavers' research shows that far too many drivers are endangering lives by driving when unable to meet a basic vision-screening test. The Government must ensure the law is enforced and drivers must become more responsible.'

The 5,000 postcards signed by British motorists call for:

• The compulsory production of a current eyesight prescription with any application for a driving licence.
• The compulsory re-testing of drivers' eyesight at regular intervals after the issue of a driving licence.
• Increased roadside eye checks, similar to random breathalyser and tyre checks.
• Eye testing at the scene of an accident, where possible.
• A law making it mandatory to carry spare corrective eyewear in a vehicle.