§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many light goods vehicle drivers have been unable to follow their employment as a result of the revocation or suspension of their licences by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency medical branch; and if he will introduce a proper compensation scheme for such drivers for their loss of income during the suspension or revocation period.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleNo information is available to the Department on the number of LGV drivers who have been unable to follow their employment as a result of revocation of their licences on medical grounds by the DVLA.
Drivers have a right of appeal through the magistrates courts against a decision to revoke their licence. If compensation is awarded, the Department has a legal obligation to pay. Proven cases of maladministration may justify an ex gratia compensation payment.
§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many LGV drivers have had their licences 483W revoked or suspended in each year since 1988 for (a) heart problems, (b) epilepsy and (c) other medical conditions; how many of these drivers have subsequently had their licences restored; and what is the average time period involved.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleInformation on the number of LGV drivers who have had their licences revoked on medical grounds is available only from September 1991. Since that date, 541 drivers have had their licences revoked because of heart problems, 97 because of epilepsy and 577 because of other medical conditions.
Five LGV drivers have had their licences restored following appeal to the courts since April 1991, the cases taking between one and five months to resolve.