Doctors have voiced their concerns over the possibility of rushing driving licence medical tests, especially in light of the HGV driver shortage…
Rushed Driving Licence Medicals
The British Medical Association (BMA) has expressed concerns that driving licence medical tests may be rushed. There are currently 200,000 outstanding medicals, many of which concern those of desperately needed HGV drivers. But, regardless of the economic need, the BMA wants the safety of drivers and other road-users put first.
When getting an HGV licence, applicants must undergo a medical assessment. Naturally, this can produce a queue as drivers wait to receive their fitness to drive certificates. Whilst there are already hundreds of thousands of drivers awaiting their medicals, many thousands are added to the list with each passing month. As a consequence, some drivers are attempting to fast track their medicals; potentially putting themselves, and others, at risk.
‘Gravely Concerned’
The BMA is ‘gravely concerned’ about the prospect of rushed driving licence medicals. It’s written to the Department for Transport, urging a ‘safety first’ approach. Current DVLA rules allow drivers to seek a fitness to drive assessment from any registered medical practicioner. This opens the door to a person’s full medical history being overlooked.
Dr Peter Holden, BMA Professional Fees Committee chair, has explained that this creates a risk “that medical conditions may be, either intentionally or unintendedly, understated and this has already had a grave impact on road safety”. It wants the DVLA to be honest and frank about the medical assessment waiting list – and to involve a person’s GP with the process.
As of now, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) believes there’s a shortage of 100,000 HGV drivers in the UK; causing significant supply-chain issues for variety of industries. It also estimates that 40,000 HGV driving tests have been delayed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
SME Fleets Are Struggling To Manage Increasing Amounts Of Data – https://autoservefleet.co.uk/latest-news/sme-fleets-are-struggling-to-manage-increasing-amounts-of-data/
Toyota To Slash Production By 40% Due To Semiconductor Shortage – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/toyota-to-slash-production-by-40-due-to-semiconductor-shortage/