Diabetic rules are unrealistic
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Nicky Clarke • The Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency has rejected claims that the procedure required to meet new criteria when diabetic drivers reapply for Cl licences are unrealistic and unneccessarily bureaucratic.
New legislation banning diabetic licence holders from renewing their Cl licences was reversed in September—on condition that such drivers meet additional criteria.
But the Drivers Action Movement says these criteria are confusing and contain unjust inconsistencies. Drivers who work less than 12 hours a week will be unable to meet the new requirements, it warns.
Diabetics who reapply for their licences have to send the DVLA proof that they have driven for four hours a day for three days a week for a period amounting to 12 months during the past two years.
Richard Fry, operations manager at Framptons International, lost his licence in January. "Diabetic drivers will not get their licences back as quickly as we were led to believe due to the unrealistic. Diabetics say driving licence procedure is too bureaucratic.
unreasonable and downright awkward bureaucracy involved," he says.
But a DVLA spokeswoman says: "We don't believe the criteria are unrealistic. They are there to prove diabetics can manage the rigours of working and taking insulin. They're not unreasonable".
Diabetic drivers have to meet other criteria, including:
• A history of good diabetic control; • Compliance with the clinical management of their condition; • Evidence of regular monitoring: • A "responsible attitude"; • No other disqualifying health conditions.