ABOUT 60 motorists working for Driver Hire York, at Clifton Moor, will soon get free eye tests.

Driver Hire has linked up with high street opticians D & A (Dolland & Aitchison) to offer the gratis tests to coincide with today's launch of Road Safety Week.

The idea is a reaction to facts revealed in research conducted by the Eyecare Information Service, which indicates that the eyesight of one-in-ten drivers does not meet the legal minimum - about 3.5 million drivers nationally. If eyesight is not up to scratch, it invalidates driving insurance and could lead to an accident.

David Poole, of Driver Hire York, said: "The danger is that your eyesight can deteriorate without you realising.

"We want to ensure that when our drivers are behind the wheel of a client's vehicle they have a clear view.

"We advise all drivers to have their vision tested at least once every two years."

Updated: 10:13 Monday, November 08, 2004