The DVLA has introduced significant road changes to help motorists with medical conditions in a bid to streamline processes for thousands of drivers.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) announced that, from today, November 7, bus, coach and lorry drivers with diabetes will benefit from new rules.
Motorists with diabetes will now be able to monitor their sugar levels using modern technology, including Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS).
Prior to the change, professional drivers with diabetes had to rely on finger-prick tests to monitor their glucose levels before and during driving.
New rules launching today will allow professional drivers to use CGMS and other technologies to provide real-time glucose readings.
Motorists who drive cars and motorcycles, known as Group 1, have been able to use CGMS since 2018, with Group 2 drivers now falling in line.
The CGMS technology uses sensors to track glucose levels in real time, removing the need for people with diabetes to prick their fingers.
Tim Moss, chief executive of the DVLA, backed the new measures, saying: “This change is about making life easier for drivers with diabetes, while keeping our roads safe.
The DVLA confirmed that the changes would be introduced today
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GETTY/DVLA
“By embracing modern technology, we’re helping thousands of professional drivers manage their condition more effectively and with greater confidence.”
Group 2 drivers, which includes drivers of buses, coaches and lorries, must still pull over safely if they need to confirm their readings.
The DVLA has introduced the new rules following a targeted consultation, which found that 89 per cent of respondents supported the proposals.
The agency highlighted that the change aims to provide motorists with more flexibility and increased safety through real-time monitoring.
Professional drivers will no longer need to prick their fingers to check their glucose levels
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PEXELSMedical experts have also supported the DVLA in making the changes to help motorists with diabetes by streamlining rules.
Nikki Joule, policy manager at Diabetes UK, explained that it would make a “huge difference” to professional drivers who manage their diabetes with insulin.
She said: “Diabetes technology such as continuous glucose monitors can be transformative for people with diabetes, improving how the condition is managed and helping people live full lives.
“We have long been calling for these measures to be expanded since they were first introduced for car and motorcycle licence holders.
The new DVLA rules could have a major benefit for bus, coach and lorry drivers
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PA“Today’s announcement will support many bus and lorry drivers to safely manage their condition while working.”
A survey from the Road Haulage Association estimated that as many as two in five employees in road transport have diabetes.
Aaron Peters, head of technical, engineering and policy at the RHA, also welcomed the change, stating that it would help drivers monitor and manage their diabetes more confidently.
“Diabetes awareness and monitoring have improved over the last few years, so it’s right that measures to help people who are affected reflect this,” Mr Peters said.