BBC News England

Drivers who fail to read a number plate from 20m (65ft) away when stopped by police will have their licences revoked immediately in a new crackdown.

Image source, TVP

Three forces in England, including West Midlands Police, are planning to test every motorist they stop in a bid to clamp down on drivers with defective eyesight.

Police say data from the tests will be used to improve understanding of the extent of poor driver vision.

Under current rules, the only mandatory examination of a driver's vision takes place during the practical test, when learners must read a number plate from 20 metres.

The latest news, sport, travel and weather across the West Midlands and south Cheshire.

Allen Cook
BBC News

A sculpture of a giraffe's been used as a "battering ram" to break into a shop in a city, external, police say.

Image source, West Mercia Police

West Mercia Police said it happened overnight in Worcester, and the force tweeted a photo showing a smashed window in the front of the building.

The giraffe appears to be one of the dozens of decorative sculptures installed in July as part of a trail across the streets of the city.

Officers say they've made one arrest on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary.

Allen Cook
BBC News

A main route in the centre of Birmingham's shutting from today until next summer so the Midland Metro can be extended., external

Image source, Network West Midlands

Paradise Circus will be closed to traffic in both directions to continue the second phase of the route, which is set to open in 2021.

Network West Midlands is already warning today of additional congestion across the city centre, external and is urging people to change their routes or consider alternatives, such as car sharing.

At the same time, the city council says firms and venues on Broad Street and the surrounding area are still open for business., external

Mel Coles
BBC Weather presenter

After a pretty dry weekend, there could be a bit of rain around today. Here's the full forecast for the West Midlands for Monday:

To get the latest forecast for your area at any time, head to the BBC Weather website.

Allen Cook
BBC News

Welcome to our live service for Monday.

We'll be bringing you all the news, sport, travel and weather for the West Midlands.

We love to hear from you so share your news, thoughts and photos of the area with us via email, Twitter, external and Facebook, external.