MIRROR, handbrake, signal, manoeuvre... That's fine if your eyesight is up to the mark. But in the New Forest it seems some elderly drivers are neglecting their vision - and crashes are the result.

In a bid to stop the spiralling number of collisions, drivers aged 60-plus are to be offered free eye checks by police and road safety officers.

In 2003, 130 drivers and passengers with birthdays before 1943 were injured in collisions in the New Forest.

"This is substantially higher than other areas in Hampshire," say police.

Vision checks will be carried out in the Somerfield car park in Spencer Road, New Milton between 10am and noon on Wednesday May 11.

In the afternoon the team will move to the Safeway car park at Stanford Hill, Lymington (1pm to 3.30pm).

The day will focus on educating drivers on the importance of good vision as well as raising awareness of other road safety issues.

People taking part will not be penalised.

Sgt Andrew Waller said: "It's crucial for all drivers to have good eyesight, but as people get older their sight, hearing and judgement of speed may not be quite as sharp as they were when they were younger.

"These changes occur gradually and very often people don't know they're happening.

"We're asking people to take the opportunity to have these checks and get advice about whether they need to visit their optician."

Hampshire County Council road safety officer Mike Sambles said: "In my experience, concerns are identified in around 15 per cent of drivers checked who are then recommended to visit their optician for a full sight examination.

"We take no enforcement action. We advise."

First published: May 10