HC Deb 21 April 1986 vol 96 cc54-6W
Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what medical standards now have to be met by holders of heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle licences; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The regulations made by the Secretary of State stipulate that the applicant for one of these licences shall not have had an epileptic attack since reaching the age of five and shall be fit to hold the licence having regard to his health and any disability which he may suffer. A current licence may be suspended or revoked by the traffic commissioners on medical grounds. The standards of fitness currently recommended by the medical profession are in the forth edition (1985) of "Medical Aspects of Fitness to Drive", published by the Medical Commission on Accident Prevention. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what right holders of heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle licences whose licences are terminated for medical reasons have to obtain independent medical evidence for consideration at the time termination of their licence is being considered; what assistance is available to licence holders to meet the cost of securing independent medical evidence; what right of appeal exists against any decision to terminate a licence on medical grounds; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

When the traffic commissioner receives a report that a driver has a relevant medical condition, he can ask the Department's medical adviser to ascertain whether this is compatible with the regulations and recommended standards. Normally this is established by obtaining details of the driver's history and condition, with his written permission, from his doctor and specialist. Where the diagnosis is uncertain, the medical adviser obtains a second opinion. The cost of these investigations is charged to the licensing schemes. Those whose licences are refused, suspended, or revoked have the right to request reconsideration by the traffic commissioner at a personal hearing, and also to appeal to the local magistrates. There is no provision for assisting with the cost of obtaining further medical evidence.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if any right to compensation exists for holders of heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle licences, whose licences are terminated on medical grounds; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

There is no statutory provision for compensation, but there are insurance schemes which operate in this field.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what were the main recommendations of his advisory committee on medical standards for heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle licensing; which of those recommendations he has approved and not approved, respectively; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

I will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about new medical standards which apply in heavy goods vehicle and public service vehicle licensing; how the new standards vary from the previous standards; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

There have been four changes in the medical standards in recent years. From April 1983, a higher standard of visual acuity has been recommended for new applicants (existing drivers are unaffected). The other three changes have been relaxations.

In April 1982, following consultation with representative organisations, the age after which suffering any epileptic attack bars issue of a licence was raised from three to five.

In October 1985, the latest edition of "Medical Aspects of Fitness to Drive", published by the Medical Commission on Accident Prevention, made two new recommendations. It advised that, although insulin-treated diabetes is generally regarded as incompatible with vocational driving, the traffic commissioners should give individual consideration to the cases of drivers who had previously been granted licences despite their being diabetics on insulin.

The publication also set out criteria under which those who have had a coronary thrombosis or bypass operation may now be regarded as fit to drive vocationally. Following consultation with the industry, I have decided that where this involves special hospital tests, the costs will be met from the driver licensing schemes.