• Almost nine out of 10 motorists (87%) back government proposals for regular compulsory eye tests for drivers aged over 70
• 69% say we need to make sure older drivers are safe on the road and 48% that older drivers with poor vision are a risk to themselves and others
• Also, 31% say all drivers should be forced to have regular eye tests, says Startline Used Car Tracker

October’s new Startline Used Car Tracker shows 69% believe we need to make sure older drivers are safe on the road and 48% that older drivers with poor vision are a risk to themselves and others.

The number of people objecting to the idea is low – 6% say losing their licence would be devastating for many older drivers and 5% that older drivers represent a limited risk because they tend to be more careful.

However, an interesting finding is that 31% of those surveyed believe drivers of all ages should be required to have regular eye tests.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “Reports suggest the government’s new road safety strategy – set to be published in the autumn – will make eye tests every three years compulsory for drivers aged over 70.

“The backing for this idea in our research is perhaps surprisingly high and arguably indicates there are widespread concerns among motorists about the vision of older drivers. Certainly, there appears to be limited sympathy for the possibility that some could lose their licences.

“However, potentially our most interesting finding is that almost one in three believe all drivers should have regular eye tests in order to retain their licence. This suggests a large minority of motorists feel quality of vision is an everyday issue on our roads.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 300 consumers and 61 dealers were questioned.