§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many drivers of groups 1 and 2 vehicles he estimates will be unable to meet the new eyesight standards set out in the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1996. [11525]
§ Mr. BowisThere are no changes in eyesight standards for group 1 drivers as a result of the new regulations. However, from 1 January 1998, group 1 drivers who obtained their licence before 1 January 1997 who, when renewing their licence, wish to retain the associated D1 487W entitlement—minibuses—will have to meet the higher group 2 eyesight standards. It is not possible to determine the numbers of licence holders who may be affected.
Drivers of group 2 vehicles who obtained their licence before 1 January 1997, who are unable to meet the revised eyesight standards for such vehicles in the new regulations but who can continue to meet the standards applicable when they obtained their entitlement, may renew their licence provided that they are able to satisfy the Secretary of State that they have not been involved in a road accident in the preceding 10 years where defective eyesight was a contributory factor and that they have had recent adequate experience of driving these vehicles. The number of existing group 2 drivers falling below the new eyesight standards is estimated at 3,000. It is not possible to determine how many of these would be unable to satisfy the Secretary of State that their licences should be renewed.