Minister signals reprieve for diabetic drivers who lost licences
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By Chris Tindall
Image: Rex Features
HGV DRIVERS WHO lost their driving entitlements after being diagnosed with diabetes have welcomed an announcement by the transport minister that individual medical assessments will begin in October.
Mike Penning’s comments in a Westminster Hall debate on Tuesday (12 July) could signal the end of years of campaigning by would-be drivers who insist their condition is stabilised with insulin injections.
Penning says he wants the assessments to begin this year, and if Group 2 drivers pass they can apply to have their licences returned. However, he also says any EU amendments to UK laws regarding epileptics and those with visual impairments who are driving will take longer because they are more complicated medical issues.
“We must have full conidence that diabetes is controlled by insulin, the condition is stable and that doctors are happy with the situation,” he says. “If that is the case, we should be able to agree in October that after medical assessment and agreement – which will be assessed as things progress – we will allow insulin-reliant diabetics in the classes mentioned, particularly those in Group 2, to drive.” Diabetic Donald Campbell lost his licence in 2005 after informing the DVLA of his condition. He says his MP John Thurso is grateful he has raised the matter. “Also the new junior transport minister is a surprise: someone with common sense who understands the diabetes issues as he has family with the condition,” he says. “I am happy with the outcome of the debate and am looking forward to getting back to work.” Archie Meechan, who lost his HGV licence more than two decades ago, is requesting further information about how the assessments will be conducted. “It seems to be going in the right direction. It’s the best news I’ve had in 23 years,” he says.