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Diabetic driver legislation still sparking controversy
Page 10
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cilris.tindatlfarbi.co.uk THE DVLA SAYS it is still considering amending UK medical standards for IIGV drivers diagnosed with diabetes after it emerged that the government is under no obligation to change the law.
The licensing agency says it would be "unfair to penalise" drivers where there is evidence that relaxing the rules is appropriate.
Transport minister Mike Penning sparked anger among drivers when he told MEP George Lyon that the government would only have to amend the laws to allow diabetics to be assessed for their fitness to drive trucks if the current rules were below EU minimum standards (CM 5 August).
The European Commission has now backed this up, telling CM that member states can rely on their existing standards if they are stricter than the new Directive.
But charity Diabetes UK says this is not following the -spirit of the Directive" and that it has been urging the DVLA all year to undertake a public consultation. Director Simon O'Neill adds: "If the DVLA reneges on this now, Diabetes UK would be compelled to campaign against its decision as the DVLA would be insisting on stricter criteria than is leg necessary."
However. a DVLA spol man says: "The DV considers that it would unfair to penalise UK lice holders where the relaxa. of standards is appropr and based on evidence.' agency is considering arm ing the UK medical standk for driving with diabt epilepsy and [poor] vis and will issue a public consultai to seek views in due course."