A CAMPAIGNER who lost her niece to a driver with failing eyesight has called for all drivers over 60 to get eye tests every two years.

Brenda Gutberlet, a retired church minister from Canvey, has worked alongside Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris campaigning for the DVLA to take drivers with eyesight or health problems off the roads.

Since 2019, the Government has been researching whether to introduce compulsory eyesight tests for drivers aged over 70.

It has been nearly 15 years since Ms Gutberlet’s niece Natalie Wade, 28, died on Valentine’s Day in 2006, while shopping for her wedding dress. She was hit by a driver with poor vision in Ashingdon Road, Rochford.

Ms Gutberlet, 66, said: “It makes plain common sense if we made regular eyesight tests for people over the age of 60.

“I am not talking about other people, I am talking about me as well. “Ideally I think everyone that drives over that age should be tested annually because of the natural deterioration.

“But if that’s too much I would welcome a position like mainland European countries that do have regular eye testing at five years from the age of 60, no exceptions.”

Ms Gutberlet said the Road Traffic Act does not take into account people that do not realise their eyesight is poor, and the “belligerent” drivers who have driven for so many years they feel like they do not need more eyesight tests.

Research shows that poor vision results in nearly 3,000 casualties in the UK each year, and Ms Gutberlet’s campaign tries to raise awareness of drivers’ responsibilty behind the wheel to prevent other families suffering the same tragedy that she went through in 2006.

John Thorpe, 78, of Lower Road, Hullbridge, was blind in one eye and had poor sight in the other when he hit Ms Wade. In voluntary declarations about his fitness to drive, Thorpe repeatedly failed to admit he could not see clearly.

Coroner Dr Peter Dean at the time recorded a verdict of unlawful killing but Mr Thorpe died before facing trial.

She said: “Driving is a privilege, not a right, and I myself, because I am 66, always get an eye test every year.

“Even if I had to pay I would do it to ensure I was safe to be behind the wheel.

Before we get behind the wheel of a car or motorbike we should ensure we can be secure.

“I would back any government, regardless of politics, if they were willing for road safety to make it legal for drivers 60 and over to have eye tests every two years or five years.” For information on free eye tests visit nhs.uk/nhs-services/opticians/free-nhs-eye-tests-and-optical-vouchers