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DVLA must rethink insulin-dependent ban
Page 6
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THE DVLA WILL have to reconsider its treatment of insulin-dependent HGV drivers when Britain adopts new EU employment legislation this autumn.
The news follows a campaign by Northampton-based driver Malcolm Upson. who lost his licence after becoming insulin-dependent. But the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) says that the DVLA is currently allowed to operate a blanket ban on insulin-dependent diabetics.
However, following the incorporation of the EU Employment Directive into British law from 1 October 2004, 'qualifying bodies' such as the DVLA will no longer be able tojustify such bans.
The DRC says that while the DVLA may still he able to with hold or withdraw qualifications such as HGV licences. it must examine each case individually and reach a reasonable decision.
However, the DVLA is cautious about applying the legislation to insulin-dependant diabetics. Currently, it says the government's medical advisory panel has "consistently advised against granting licences to drive larger vehicles to those suffering from insulintreated diabetes".
It adds says it is carefully examining the legislation prior to making any decision.
Upson, who is currently driving a shunter for TNT, adds that he -struggled" on tablets for some time before going onto insulin, he adds: "There must be hundreds of drivers in the same position."