LANCASHIRE police are set to launch a crackdown on short-sighted motorists with random roadside eye tests.

And drivers whose eyesight fails the Vision MOTs' could face fines, penalty points - or even be banned from the road.

The initiative was launched after it was estimated that one in every three drivers would fail the spot test - which is to read a car number plate easily from 20 metres away in good daylight.

And police have voiced concerns that many motorists are driving with poor sight which is leading to accidents, deaths or serious injuries.

Officers today said that drivers who fail badly will be warned that they could face arrest for dangerous driving if they attempt to get back behind the wheel.

All borderline cases will be advised to visit their optician for a check-up and will be referred to the DVLA.

Sergeant Stuart Isherwood, from the Eastern Division road policing unit based in Accrington, said a programme of random checks will be rolled out across Lancashire within months.

And those drivers with impaired vision who are found to be driving without wearing their glasses could be prosecuted and banned for dangerous driving, he said.

He added: "New drivers' sight is checked when they sit their test, but is then not examined again until they are 70.

"We all know that normal eyesight changes with time, and there are some eye diseases that gradually affect our ability to see clearly. This of course will have an impact on our ability to drive safely.

"While we have always had the power to test someone's eye sight if we feel that poor vision may have been the cause of a collision these random spot checks will bring home the message that driving with impaired vision will not be tolerated.

"If you cannot see properly when you are driving then you are considered to be a dangerous driver and are committing an offence.

"Driving without the required vision is an offence which can carry a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points and motorists considered to have committed dangerous driving offences could be disqualified."

Lancashire police announced the new measures after a pilot operation was undertaken by Gwent Police in Wales last week. Some motorists tested could not even read the number plate at 10 metres.

Lancashire's road policing officers will be taking to the roads with tape measures to test motorists' eyes at the statutory 20 metres.

Motoring groups are backing the police. A spokesman for the RAC said: "The RAC would encourage all its members and other motorists to care of all aspects of their health - especially their eyesight.

"We would support Lancashire Constabulary in this initiative to make road safer through these spot checks."