An email copy of this has been sent to me ...
Brandon Lewis MP
Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth
Brandon Lewis MP
Constituency Office
Fastolff House
30 Regent Street
Great Yarmouth
NR30 1RR
22nd August, 2011
Dear **********,
Thank you for your email regarding the possible changes to driving with diabetes. I understand the
concerns you have raised. However, I wish to stress that these measures are only being
considered for the safety of all road users.
The implementation of this directive has only recently been brought forward by Mike Penning MP.
The biggest charity working with UK diabetics, Diabetes UK, have been in consultation with the
DVLA over the following:
• Drivers experiencing recurrent severe hypoglycaemia shall not be issued a licence -'severe
recurrent hypoglycaemia' is now defined as `a second severe hypoglycaemia during a period
of 12 months'
• Any Severe Hypoglycaemic event, even when not driving, must be reported and will now
lead to driver reassessment.
• Drivers with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia will not be issued licences, nor be able to
renew. Impaired awareness is now defined as a total absence ®f warning symptoms.
• Group 1 Drivers with tablet treated diabetes will not be required to inform the DVLA unless
they develop visual complications or hypoglycaemia. This is on the basis that they are under
regular medical review - based on NHS prescribing reviews taking place every 12 months.
• Drivers treated by insulin will now be able to apply for Group 2 licences based on the 5 point
criteria and an annual review undertaken by an expert diabetologist.
This consultation has now closed, but I am aware that Diabetes UK have raised their concerns
regarding the changes. This will help to ensure that those who are fit to drive, will be able to do so.
The report from the consultation with the DVLA is likely to be published in September 2011. I will
be continuing to monitor this issue in the coming months.
Yours sincerely,
BRANDON LEWIS MP
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR GREAT YARMOUTH
Email:
office@brandonlewis.org