GB2443654A

GB2443654A - System for detecting and testing drivers who show abnormal driving behaviour.

Info

Publication number: GB2443654A
Application number: GB0610608A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Emmerson Allen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-30
Filing date: 2006-05-30
Publication date: 2008-05-14
Also published as: GB0610608D0; WO2007138265A3; WO2007138265A2

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for detecting and testing drivers of road vehicles that show dangerous or abnormal driving behaviour. The system comprises a road side unit for detecting vehicles and dangerous driving, such as speeding, going too slow, going through a red light, bad lane discipline or tail gating. When the system detects a dangerous vehicle it communicates a message to the occupant of the vehicle. The message may be communicated to the vehicle by a visual display or wirelessly to a speaker inside the vehicle. The message may request the driver to stop and take a test at a road side testing station. The road side testing station may comprise means to test the reflexes, the breath and/or the pupil dilation of the driver and means to inform the driver of the test results. The result may also be sent to the local police. The testing station may also have means interrogate the data stored on the driver's licence. The testing station may also have a CCTV camera to monitor the test area.

Description

Improvements to road safety Poor driver eyesight can cause road

accidents. Indeed, poor driver eyesight is perhaps more fundamentally dangerous than driver speeding.

Although being able to see is an obvious requirement for safe driving, the number plate test, done as part of the driving test, is frequently the only check a driver has of their eyesight until age makes reading a bit more difficult. Consequently, according to research that has been carried out by Aston University, I in 6 motorists could have substandard eyesight.

Although, at least in the UK, the Police have the power to test a driver's eyesight if they have reason to believe that he/she cannot meet the minimum eyesight requirement, i.c..

reading a standard number plate at a distance of 20.5 m away, Police resources are often strained and understandably deemed better deployed elsewhere, especially given that it can be difficult for a person to decide who should be tested, and it is impracticable to test every licensed driver and unnecessary to test every licensed driver, because for many drivers, eyesight does not deteriorate significantly over time.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also responsible for many accidents.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising a 1.. (electronically controlled) sensor for sensing the speed of a vehicle, characterised in that the vehicle control assembly also comprises a (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant if the speed sensed by the speed sensor is above a predetermined threshold or below a predetermined threshold.

The vehicle control assembly may be arranged so that predetermined speed can be programmed.

*. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle control *....: assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising a * (electronically controlled) sensor for sensing if a vehicle is moving through a (red) traffic light which is ordering traffic to halt, characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprises (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a vehicle or specific vehicle occupant when a vehicle breaches traffic light which is ordering traffic to halt.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising a (electronically controlled) sensor for sensing if a vehicle is moving across a lane division on a road (repeatedly or for a predetermined period of time), characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprises (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant when vehicle crosses lane division (repeatedly or for more than a predetermined period of time).

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising a (electronically controlled) sensor for counting number of vehicles passing a location on a road, characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprises processing means to process sensed information, and (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate at intervals of a predetermined number of vehicles to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle control assembly ftr controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising (electronically controlled) timing means, a sensor for counting number of vehicles passing a location on a road, characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprises (electronically control led) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate at intervals of a predetermined amount of time to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising a (electronically controlled) sensor for assessing a vehicle occupant whilst vehicle is moving or in use on a road, characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprises (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupani * *. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle control assembly comprises kntifying means for identifying a vehicle, such as number plate recognition. The vehicle * * control assembly preferably comprises transmission means arranged to transmit identity to communication means.

* : : According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprising a (electronically controlled) road side unit arranged to receive a * signal of date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight * test, e.g. from a data carrier such as a vehicle licence, preferably the vehicle control assembly comprises (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be * operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant when date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test is more than a predetermined time period.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the communication means is positioned on or adjacent road. The communication means may be arranged to communicate visual information to a vehicle or vehicle occupant. The communication means may be arranged to communicate audially information to a vehicle or vehicle occupant.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the communication means is arranged to wirelessly transmit signal to a vehicle.

The vehicle control assembly preferably comprises a signalling means for instructing vehicle occupant to take a test, more preferably signalling means is arranged to display number plate of vehicle.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly comprising a vehicle control assembly according to one or more of the preceding aspects or consistory clauses.

In one preferred embodiment, the vehicle occupant testing assembly comprises an electronic testing means on or adjacent the road. The vehicle occupant testing assembly may comprise a second communication means arranged to inform vehicle occupant of test result. The second communication means may be arranged to display result or transmit wireless signal corresponding to result into vehicle.

The assembly may comprise a vehicle movement prevention means arranged to be operable to move in front, and/or behind and/or at one or more of the sides of the vehicle.

The vehicle occupant testing assembly may be arranged to give test prompt(s) to a vehicle occupant, e.g. display of a false number plate for test purposes. The vehicle occupant testing assembly may comprise input means arranged to allow vehicle occupant to input, e.g. responses to prompt(s), input means may allow entry by occupant of letters/numbers, e.g. to confirm details of a number plate being viewed by occupant. The assembly may be arranged to provide limited time to respond a prompt.

The testing assembly may comprise an eye scanner, e.g. to show pupil dilation.

* *. According to a ninth aspect of the invention there is provided a driving licence *.. comprising an electronic storage means arranged to store date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test. and Dreferablv (wireless means to transmit and receive information.

* : According to a tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling a vehicle, comprising the steps of, sensing speed of a vehicle, or and, if vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed or is below a predetermined speed, instructing vehicle, whilst *: *: :* vehicle is moving or in use on a road, to stop and take a test.

* According to an eleventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of testing a * : vehicle occupant, comprising the steps of, instructing a vehicle occupant in a vehicle on the road or a vehicle on the road that occupant has to take a test, automatically testing occupant on or adjacent the road, and informing vehicle occupant following the test.

Method may comprise determining if vehicle occupant is in at least in some way unfit to control vehicle. Method may also comprise scanning eyes to show dilation of pupils.

Method may also comprise storing results of test. Method may comprise communicating results of test to vehicle occupant. Method may comprise receiving information from occupant and identifying vehicle occupant. Method may also comprise communicating date of test and/or results of test to vehicle licence equipped with electronic storage means, method preferably comprises preventing further vehicle movement, e.g. by raising one or more barriers in front, behind or at one or more of the sides of the vehicle.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) vehicle occupant breath testing assembly comprising a vehicle stopping area on or adjacent a road, and a breath testing means on or adjacent the road.

The breath testing means may be arranged to measure alcohol in breath.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) vehicle occupant reflex or awareness testing assembly comprising a vehicle stopping area on or adjacent a road, and a reflex or awareness testing means on or adjacent the road.

The reflex or awareness testing means may comprise virtual driving test.

The reflex or awareness testing assembly may comprise a hand held controller or a steering wheel.

The breath or reflex or awareness testing means may comprise a communication means able to communicate results and/or notice to occupant and/or to communicate results to vehicle authority such as DVLA or police.

The vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly may comprise number plate reading technology.

The assembly may comprise CCTV or the like to monitor test avoidance/cheating or so that a occupant can be remotely monitored, e.g. so they can be instructed how to complete a test or aspect thereof. S **

S. * The vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly may be arranged so that the driver can remain in the car whilst the testing is carried out. Alternatively, testing assembly may comprise road side booth(s) for vehicle occupant(s) to carry out test.

* : : The vehicle occupant testing assembly may comprise a breath testing assembly, the breath testing assembly comprises an automatic means for replacing a part that comes into contact with a mouth of a vehicle occupant between tests (e.g. a breath tube).

* The vehicle occupant breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly preferably comprises a vehicle stopping means arranged adjacent vehicle stopping area.

**S... * .

The vehicle stopping means may be active, e.g. a physical barrier. Alternatively, the vehicle stopping means may be passive, e.g. a traffic light like device. The vehicle stopping means may be arranged to prevent vehicle passing until test conducted. The vehicle stopping means may be arranged to prevent vehicle passing if breath or reflex or awareness test results indicate occupant not in a condition to drive.

In one preferred embodiment, the assembly is arranged to generate a warning for an occupant who fails the test.

l'he vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly may be conveniently arranged at a road toll or the like.

The assembly may be arranged to send a signal to vehicle stopping means following test, e.g. to cause vehicle stopping means to change configuration to a configuration in which vehicle is permitted to pass or remains stopped.

The assembly may have vehicle (proximity) sensor, and testing assembly may be arranged to cause test to initiate when vehicle sensed. The vehicle sensor may comprise number plate reading and vehicle identification system. The vehicle sensor may comprise a load sensor, positioned in a position on which wheels of vehicle can lie in use (directly or indirectly).

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) vehicle occupant sight testing assembly comprising a vehicle stopping area on or adjacent a road, and a sight testing means on or adjacent the road, wherein Sight test comprises Snellen chart or (images of) one or a series of number plates..

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) vehicle assessment system comprising an (electronic) (robotic) assessment means for assessing an aspect of the vehicle, characterised in that system is arranged to test if part of vehicle is in working order, e.g. if a horn or light(s) of vehicle function.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention there is provided a (road side) vehicle assessment system (arranged on or adjacent road) comprising load sensing means for sensing weight of vehicles, e.g. overloaded vehicles such as haulage vehicles.

The system may comprise (wireless) communication means for communicating result of *:*::* assessment to a vehicle.

**** The vehicle control assembly preferably comprises means for determining country of a number plate. The vehicle control assembly preferably comprises means for informing * occupant in one or more languages of a sensed country of a number plate.

* An advantage of the vehicle control systems in accordance with the invention is that human monitors like the Police do not have to monitor a vehicle and then use fuel in following a vehicle and then recite their reasons and test them, and then perhaps use more * fuel in returning to their original monitoring location. A clear advantage over in-vehicle * tests is that the testing assemblies in accordance with the invention can potentially be **.S.* . . . . * * used on all vehicles on the road. The testing assemblies can also in certain embodtments operate without human operator intervention. Most importantly, the testing assemblies in accordance with the invention can dramatically raise the level of safety on public roads.

Testing assemblies in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, Figure 1 is a vehicle control assembly, Figure 2 is a schematic view of a sight test assembly, and Figure 3 is a flow chart showing test steps.

There are various ways of selecting test participants as follows Research carried out by the Transport Research Institute at Edinburgh's Napier University shows that motorists who have been caught by a speed camera are more likely to have a crash than those that have not.

Referring to Figure 1, and according to one embodiment of the invention, a vehicle control assembly 19 (for controlling vehicles on a road) comprises a (electronically controlled) sensor for sensing the speed of a vehicle comprises a vehicle speed sensor (and camera) 20 arranged upstream of a test means 12. The speed sensor 20 can sense the speed of a vehicle as a vehicle passes. Where a vehicle is exhibiting undesirable behaviour, e.g. it exceeds the speed limit, there is a reasonable probability that the vehicle occupant (the driver) has bad eyesight or is drunk or under the influence of drugs or is tired. It is of course acknowledged that some perfectly adequate drivers simply ignore such cameras but they are a minority at least where a financial penalty is imposed.

The vehicle control assembly 19 can comprise vehicle identification means for obtaining identity of vehicle that is speeding vehicle. The vehicle identification means can comprise known number plate recognition technology.

Accordingly, the occupant of such a vehicle is signal led and instructed to take a road side sight test down the road. In particular, the vehicle control assembly 19 comprises a (electronically controlled) communication means 22 is arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant if the speed sensed by the * ** speed sensor is above a predetermined threshold or below a predetermined threshold.

Figure 1 is not to scale. The sensor 20 may be I or 2 miles before test point. The communication means may be 1/2 mile before test assembly point. The sensor can signal the communication means in any suitable known manner. Also, where the communication means is located at the road side, the communication means 22 must be * : sufficiently downstream of the sensor 20 to allow the sensor to make its calculations and send a signal to the communication means before the vehicle passes the communication means.

*: *. The speed sensor can sense if vehicle is driving below a predetermined speed and the occupant of such a vehicle is signalled and instructed to take a road side sight test down *U*S..

* * the road.

Vehicles can be monitored remotely for example by fixed traffic monitoring cameras and/or satellite surveillance cameras. That data can be used to establish speed of vehicle, if speed is fluctuating, etc. On basis of that data, the system can decide if vehicle occupant is to be tested. If occupant is to be tested, occupant can be wirelessly informed, e.g. by radio, by transponder, to do a test.

In another embodiment of the invention, the test assembly can comprise a response sensor. One can sense cars that do not respond to road signs, or a hazard or obstacle such as speed bump. If they fail to respond adequately they can be instructed to do test.

Response sensor may operate by sensing speed at the crest of the speed bump. If the speed is over a predetermined speed, it is reasonable to assume that the vehicle occupant should be tested.

In another embodiment of the invention, the test assembly can comprise a traffic light. If a vehicle passes a red light, they can be instructed to do test.

In another embodiment of the invention, the test assembly can comprise a means for monitoring movement of vehicle across lane divisions. If vehicle is weaving across the lane divisions on the road, they can be instructed to do test.

In another embodiment of the invention, a vehicle driving licence can be equipped with electronic storage means arranged to store date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test if opticians load transponder with information a transponder transmitter and/or receiver. Transponder can send signal to road side unit, e.g. arranged at a toll barrier, signal informing of date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or nonnal sight test if opticians load transponder with information. Apparatus then signals vehicle to go to roadside sight test it more than a predetermined time period, say three years, has elapsed since date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test.

A testing assembly 12 can comprise a vehicle control assembly 20.

The testing assembly can comprise a clock and tests at predetermined intervals.

The testing assembly can count the numbers of vehicles passing and tests at * *** predetermined intervals.

Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle 10 is on a road. *S..

A road side sight test assembly 11 comprises a sight test means 12, which is * :: electronically controlled. The road side sight test assembly is automatically operable without controller, although a vehicle occupant is intended to interact with it.

Barrier control means 13 Barrier 14 *:*::* Control unit 16 * Road has stopping region 18 adjacent sight test means 12 * and the aforementioned vehicle control assembly 19.

The vehicle 10 is parked in stopping region 1 8.

Sight test 12 may be set at a certain distance from the vehicle/person 10, which may vary according to the relevant state/country, so as to closely simulate the eyesight test applicable to the relevant state/country.

Sight test 12 may comprise Snellen chart or (images of) one or a series of number plates.

The sight test 12 whether Snellen chart or (images of) number plates can be digital and computer generate different series of letters, so as to minimise risk of cheating.

In another embodiment of the invention, the testing assembly has means for testing another driver parameter, such as reflexes, in addition to or instead of sight test. For example, a reflex test assembly has a display screen, ordinarily blank, and onto which are periodically introduced images of objects. The occupant can then press a button or the like to show that they have seen the object, and the time taken to respond to the appearance of the object can be measured. If the occupant fails the reflex test, the occupant may be allowed to pass the first barrier. However, vehicle is not allowed to pass a second barrier (not shown for simplicity) further down the road by say 100 m. The vehicle is forced to stop in a lay-by or the like between first and second barrier. In this way, the failing driver does not stop traffic flowing. The vehicle of the occupant may be allowed to pass the second barrier only after a set time, e.g. 15 minutes, thereby allowing the driver time to take a break. Food and drink facilities can be dispensed from the assembly to nourish the driver. The assembly may instruct lifting of the second barrier only after the number plate of the vehicle is read and a certain time has elapsed. A ticket or the like may be dispensed to inform the user when they are free to move past the second barrier.

Suitable sensors sense the presence of the vehicle near the barrier. Sensor may cause test to initiate. Sensor can be a load sensor, positioned in a position on which wheels of vehicle can lie in use. The testing assembly can then operate relatively autonomously with occupant intervention to respond to prompts. The testing assembly may comprise an array of buttons or touch pads corresponding to the letters of the alphabet. In use, if the driver sees a letter they can touch the pad corresponding to the letter. The assembly will give a limited amount of time, say ten seconds per part of the test, to input what they see.

Although CCIV records avoidance of test, blocking means can be arranged adjacent * ** barrier 14 so as to form a continuous blockage sufficient to prevent a vehicle passing * ** around the barrier 14 and down the road. **..

According to the invention there is provided a vehicle driver licence card comprising an electronic storage means and transponder, electronic storage means comprising data * pertaining to date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test.

The assembly can have a means to receive payment for items or a penalty payment.

Assembly may send signal to engine management unit of vehicle to actively limit speed * : : of vehicle or immobilise vehicle.

Road side sight test can have facial recognition or other identification means, which are interactive or discrete. This can be linked to emergency services, e.g. police, for monitoring, enabling police to limit travel of certain persons.

The test interface can be provided in the vehicle, whilst the test is controlled remotely and outside of the vehicle for potential use on all vehicles on the road Means for signalling either vehicle or occupant of vehicle and means for conducting sight test or breath test and means for sending result of test to control system and control system having means for diverting or stopping vehicle in response to test data.

Preferably test method comprises means for identifying vehicle e.g. number plate recognition technology.

Instead of or in addition to a vehicle barrier means to signal a vehicle to stop can be provided e.g. a traffic light type system.

Test may include various components as follows.

Testing assembly may comprise breath analysis equipment in addition to or instead of sight test. Breath analysis can inform if occupant has more than the allowed amount of alcohol. Negative testing can cause barrier to prevent vehicle passing.

Test may include walking along a line marked on or at the side of the road, raising a leg for a predetermined length of time, listening to questions and providing correct answers, testing visual response times (particularly useful for drug users), etc. Test may be recorded on CCTV and analysed.

Where occupant is tired or under influence of some drugs their pupils dilate. An eye scanner can be used to sense such dilation during a test of occupant.

Vehicle occupant can speak to controller and/or controller can speak to vehicle occupant via VHF radio or via the GSM cellular phone network.

Transmitting control data from the vehicle occupant licence to controller or from the controller to vehicle or licence. The system includes a local communication unit capable * * of establishing a wireless communication link with a remote communication unit and a * .. link for transferring data between the local communication unit and the vehicle or * *IS licence. In oDeration. a wireless communication link is established between the local * * * Se. communication unit and the remote communication unit. Control data is transferred between the local communication unit and the vehicle or licence and transmitted between * : the local communication unit and the remote communication unit via the wireless communication link.

Remote monitoring of vehicle, e.g. average speed variation over lit and unlit sections of *: *::* road, compliance reaction time to speed limit signs.

* User can be informed e.g. by wireless message from monitoring system, possibly from remote monitoring centre, or by on road sign.

User can be instructed to leave motorway at exit following position of test failure. User can be compelled to stay below minimum speed until then, fined if not. I0

Claims

Claims I. A vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a

road, the vehicle control assembly comprising a (electronically controlled) sensor for sensing the speed of a vehicle, characterjsed in that the vehicle control assembly also comprises a (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant if the speed sensed by the speed sensor is above a predetermined threshold or below a predetermined threshold.
2. A vehicle control assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the vehicle control assembly is arranged so that predetermined speed can be programmed.
3. A vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising a (electronically controlled) sensor for sensing if a vehicle is moving through a (red) traffic light which is ordering traffic to halt, characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprises (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a vehicle or specific vehicle occupant when a vehicle breaches traffic light which is ordering traffic to halt.
4. A vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising a (electronically controlled) sensor for sensing if a vehicle is moving across a lane division on a road (repeatedly or for a predetermined period of * ,* time), characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprises (electronically * ** controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant when vehicle crosses lane division (repeatedly or for * more than a predetermined period of time).

:
5. A vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising a (electronically controlled) sensor for counting number of vehicles passing a location on a road, characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprises processing means to process sensed information, and (electronically controlled) *: communication means arranged to be operable to communicate at intervals of a * predetermined number of vehicles to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant.

*s**.I *
6. A vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising (electronically controlled) timing means, a sensor for counting

II

number of vehicles passing a location on a road, characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprises (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate at intervals of a predetermined amount of time to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant.
7. A vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, the vehicle control assembly comprising a (electronically controlled) sensor for assessing a vehicle occupant whilst vehicle is moving or in use on a road, characterised in that the vehicle control assembly comprises (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant.

8. A vehicle control assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle control assembly comprises identifying means for identifying a vehicle, such as number plate recognition, preferably transmission means are arranged to transmit identity to communication means.
8. A vehicle control assembly for controlling vehicles on a road, characterjsed in that the vehicle control assembly comprising a (electronically controlled) road side unit arranged to receive a signal of date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test, e.g. from a data carrier such as a vehicle licence, preferably the vehicle control assembly comprises (electronically controlled) communication means arranged to be operable to communicate to a specific vehicle or specific vehicle occupant * when date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test is more than a predetermined time period. I...
9. A vehicle control assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein * communication means is positioned on or adjacent road.

so....

*
10. A vehicle control assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the communication means is arranged to communicate visual information to a *: : :* vehicle or vehicle occupant.

*
II. A vehicle control assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, *: wherein the communication means is arranged to communicate audial information to a vehicle or vehicle occupant.
12. A vehicle control assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the communication means is arranged to wirelessly transmit signal to a vehicle.
13. A vehicle control asscmbly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle control assembly comprises a signalling means for instructing vehicle occupant to take a test, preferably signalling means is arranged to display number plate of vehicle.
14. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly comprising a vehicle control assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims.
15. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to claim 14, wherein the vehicle occupant testing assembly comprises an electronic testing means on or adjacent the road.
16. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the vehicle occupant testing assembly comprises a second communication means arranged to inform vehicle occupant of test result.
17. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to any one or more of claim 14 or 15 or 16, wherein the second communication means is arranged to display result or transmit wireless signal corresponding to result into vehicle.
18. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to any one or more of claim 14, 15, 16, or 17, wherein the assembly comprises a vehicle movement prevention means arranged to be operable to move in front, and/or behind and/or at one or more of the sides of the vehicle.
19. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to any one or more of claim 14 to 18, wherein the vehicle occupant testing assembly is arranged to give test prompt(s) to a vehicle occupant, e.g. display of a false number plate for test purposes.
20. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to any one or more of * ** claim 14 to 19, wherein the vehicle occupant testing assembly comprises input means * 1*. arranged to allow vehicle occupant to input, e.g. responses to prompt(s), preferably input * a... means allow entry by occupant of letters/numbers, e.g. to confirm details of a number * "S plate being viewed by occupant.
21. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to claim 19, or 20, when dependent on claim 19, wherein the assembly is arranged to provide limited time to respond a prompt.
22. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to any one or more of claim 14 to 21, wherein the testing assembly comprises an eye scanner, e.g. to show pupil elsa..

* . dilation.
23. A driving licence comprising an electronic storage means arranged to store date of passing driving test and/or date of last road side sight test or normal sight test, and preferably (wireless) means to transmit and receive information.
24. A method of controlling a vehicle, comprising the steps of, sensing speed of a vehicle, [or and, iv vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed or is below a predetermined speed, instructing vehicle, whilst vehicle is moving or in use on a road, to stop and take a test.
25. A method of testing a vehicle occupant, comprising the steps of, instructing a vehicle occupant in a vehicle on the road or a vehicle on the road that occupant has to take a test, automatically testing occupant on or adjacent the road, and informing vehicle occupant following the test.
26. A method according to claim 25, method comprising determining if vehicle occupant is in at least in some way unfit to control vehicle.
27. Method according to claim 25 or 26, method also comprises scanning eyes to show dilation of pupils
28. Method according to claim 25 or 26, or 27, method also comprises storing results of test.
29. Method according to claim 25 or 26, 27, or 28, method also may comprise communicating results of test to vehicle occupant
30. Method according to any one or more of claims 25 to 29, method also comprises receiving information from occupant and identifying vehicle occupant.
31. Method according to any one or more of claims 25 to 30, method also comprises communicating date of test and/or results of test to vehicle licence equipped with electronic storage means, method preferably comprises preventing further vehicle movement, e.g. by raising one or more barriers in front, behind or at one or more of the sides of the vehicle.
32. A (road side) vehicle occupant breath testing assembly comprising a vehicle stopping area on or adjacent a road, and a breath testing means on or adjacent the road.

* *.
33. A (road side) vehicle occupant breath testing assembly, wherein the breath testing means is arranged to measure alcohol in breath. *S*.

1S***
34. A (road side) vehicle occupant reflex or awareness testing assembly comprising a * vehicle stopping area on or adjacent a road, and a reflex or awareness testing means on or adjacent the road.
35. A (road side) vehicle occupant reflex or awareness testing assembly according to *: .:: claim 38, wherein the reflex or awareness testing means comprises virtual driving test.

* *
36. A (road side) vehicle occupant reflex or awareness testing assembly according to * claim 39, wherein reflex or awareness testing assembly has hand held controller or steering wheel.
37. A (road side) vehicle occupant test assembly according to one or more of claims 32 to 36, wherein breath or reflex or awareness testing means comprises communication means able to communicate results and/or notice to occupant and/or to communicate results to vehicle authority such as DVLA or police.
38. A (road side) vehicle occupant test assembly according to one or more of claims 32 to 37, wherein the vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly comprises number plate reading technology.
39. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to one or more of claims 32 to 38, wherein assembly comprises CCTV or the like to monitor test avoidance/cheating or so that a occupant can be remotely monitored, e.g. so they can be instructed how to complete a test or aspect thereof.
40. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to one or more of claims 32 to 39, wherein the vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly is arranged so that the driver can remain in the car whilst the testing is carried out.
41. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to one or more of claims 32 to 40, wherein the vehicle occupant testing assembly comprises a breath testing assembly, the breath testing assembly comprises an automatic means for replacing a part that comes into contact with a mouth of a vehicle occupant between tests (e.g. a breath tube).
42. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to one or more of claims 32 to 41, wherein vehicle occupant breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly comprises a vehicle stopping means arranged adjacent vehicle stopping area.
43. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to claim 42, wherein the vehicle stopping means is active, e.g. a barrier
44. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to claim 42, wherein the vehicle stopping means is passive e.g. traffic light.
45. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to claim 42, 43, or 44, . wherein the vehicle stopping means is arranged to prevent vehicle passing until test conducted. *SS.
46. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to any one or more of *....: claims 42 to 45, wherein the vehicle stopping means is be arranged to prevent vehicle passing if breath or reflex or awareness test results indicate occupant not in a condition to drive.

s
47. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to one or more of * claims 32 to 46, wherein the assembly is arranged to generate a warning for an occupant *....: whofailsthetest. S *
48. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to one or more of claims 32 to 47, wherein the vehicle driver breath or reflex or awareness testing assembly is arranged at a road toll or the like.
49. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to one or more of claims 32 to 48, wherein the assembly is arranged to send a signal to vehicle stopping means following test, e.g. to cause vehicle stopping means to change configuration to a configuration in which vehicle is permitted to pass or remains stopped.
50. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to one or more of claims 32 to 49, wherein assembly may have vehicle (proximity) sensor, testing assembly arranged to cause test to initiate when vehicle sensed.
51. A (road side) vehicle occupant test assembly according to claim 50, wherein vehicle sensor comprises number plate reading and vehicle identification system.
52. A (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly according to claim 50, wherein vehicle sensor comprises a load sensor, positioned in a position on which wheels of vehicle can lie in use (directly or indirectly).
53. A (road side) vehicle occupant sight testing assembly comprising a vehicle stopping area on or adjacent a road, and a sight testing means on or adjacent the road, wherein Sight test comprises Snellen chart or (images of) one or a series of number plates..
54. A (road side) vehicle control assembly or (road side) vehicle occupant testing assembly or method as described herein with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.
55. A (road side) vehicle assessment system comprising an (electronic) (robotic) assessment means for assessing an aspect of the vehicle, characterjsed in that system is arranged to test if part of vehicle is in working order, e.g. if a horn or light(s of vehicle function.
56. A (road side) vehicle assessment system (arranged on or adjacent road) comprising load sensing means for sensing weight of vehicles, e.g. overloaded vehicles such as haulage vehicles. * S.
57. A (road side) vehicle assessment system according to Claim 55 or 56, system * ::: :* comprising (wireless) communication means for communicating result of assessment to a vehicle.

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58. A vehicle control assembly according to any preceding claim or independent thereof, comprises means for determining country of a number plate.

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59. A vehicle control assembly according to any preceding claim or independent * .. thereof, comprises means for informing occupant in one or more languages of a sensed * country of a number plate.