Operation Dark Night: Three drivers get licences revoked after failing 20m roadside eyesight test
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Lancashire Police Officers carried out 697 eyesight checks as part of the two week long Operation Dark Night. Three drivers failed the 20m eyesight test and had their driving licences revoked at the roadside, with one driver still unable to read a car number plate even at a distance of nine metres. These drivers were unable to drive themselves away from the check point site after failing the test.
As the clocks have recently gone back and the nights are getting longer, Lancashire Police launched a campaign to help keep Lancashire’s roads safe after dark.
For two weeks, starting on 27th October, Roads Police focussed on driver eyesight, a key but often overlooked part of road safety. Regular eyesight tests will be continuing moving forward too, even though the operation has now come to an end.
Can you clearly read a number plate from 20 metres? That’s about five car lengths. If not, you could risk losing your licence under Cassie’s Law. This law, introduced in 2013, allows police to immediately revoke a driver's license if they fail a roadside number plate test.
Officers will also be making sure vehicles, bikes and horse riders are road-safe and visible, especially as darker evenings have now set in.
Whether you're driving, cycling, riding, or walking, make sure you can see and be seen.
Inspector Steve Scott of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:
“Good eyesight is critical for safe driving, especially during the darker months when visibility is reduced. These checks are not about catching people out, they’re about preventing serious collisions and saving lives.
"If you can’t read a number plate from 20 metres, you shouldn’t be behind the wheel. We urge all drivers to take responsibility and make sure their vision meets the legal standard before getting out on the road.”
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said:
“Keeping people safe on Lancashire’s roads is a priority, and as conditions change, we all need to do our part. Poor vision and faulty lights can have devastating consequences.
“This campaign has been a timely reminder that small checks can prevent serious accidents. Booking an eye test and making sure your lights are working takes minutes but could save a life.
“We have been lobbying for stronger rules around eyesight testing because the current self-declaration system is not fit for purpose. Medical professionals should have the ability to report concerns, and drivers should be required to prove they are safe behind the wheel.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. We are working with partners to tackle dangerous driving and reduce harm, but every driver can make a difference.”
