BITTERSWEET
Page 26
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Driver Action Movement (DAM) has since 1994 campaigned on a number of important issues.
We all know that at the present moment HGV drivers and Cl licence holders with Type 1 diabetes are refused licences. However, last year the government decided to change its mind on this issue and allowed drivers to renew or apply for Cl licences. But there was a sting in the tail. The government decided that they would attach certain rules to renewal and application and these rules ensure that some ex and new drivers would still be unable to obtain a C1 licence.
Since 1994 the driver action movement (DAM) and other groups such as Diabetes UK have constantly campaigned on getting the rights for HGV drivers to be able to apply and renew HGV licences in line with the EC Directive. This has resulted in the Scientific and Technology Committee identifying the ilustice on this issue.
Unfortunately, the government has given the power back to the DVLA (Honorary Medical Panel) to resolve the above committee's findings. Our concern is that campaign groups such as DAM and Diabetes UK should also be directly involved in resolving this problem, simply because they see the issue from another perspective. Our other concern is that they may also attach certain rules to this change as they did with the Cl licence.
If anyone has any comments on this issue, we would be pleased to hear from them. Jack A Crossfield, Secretary, DAM, Droylsden, Manchester.