Medical fitness to drive changes come into effect

Constable Andy Jehan said the changes are "important" for Jersey drivers

Changes to Jersey's medical requirements and standards for obtaining driving licences have come into effect.

New requirements include medical checks for minibus or coach drivers making licence applications and new standards for vision, making the rules "similar to the UK and EU", according to the government.

Minister for infrastructure Constable Andy Jehan said it was "important" the regulations were updated, especially for those islanders who drive internationally.

He said: "I welcome the changes in terms of ensuring the people on the roads are fit to drive".

Some of the key changes are:

• People applying for a vocational licence to drive heavy goods and large passenger vehicles, known as a 'group 2' licence, have to have a medical check

• People applying for all licences have to meet new standards for vision, including peripheral vision and accuracy of vision

• People affected by epilepsy or seizures have to meet new medical standards when applying for and holding a licence

• People with diabetes that is treated with insulin or other hypoglycaemic drugs must declare their condition and meet new medical standards when applying for and holding a licence

• People with diabetes and epilepsy can now hold group 2 licences

A full list of the changes can be found on the government website.

Jersey's head of Driver and Vehicle Standards Gordon Forrest said: "This isn't about every islander on 5 October suddenly having to go out and get a medical.

"This is all about public driving and the ability to drive in a safe manner."

Type 1 diabetic Juliette Hart will have to get a medical certificate when she renews her driving licence

Juliette Hart has type 1 diabetes and will now have to get a medical certificate when she renews her driving licence every 10 years.

The Primary Care Body, that represents GPs in Jersey, confirmed appointments to get a driving medical certificate come with a cost.

It said the cost of the appointment is at the discretion of each individual practice.

Ms Hart said: "There's always a cost, usually financial, but I think over 10 years it's not too prohibitive, I think it's fairly reasonable."

'For safety'

Ms Hart and other type 1 diabetics also have to meet certain standards for managing blood sugar levels before driving.

Ms Hart said she will have to check her blood sugar before getting behind the wheel, something she usually does anyway.

She said the "main difference" for her is that, under the new rules, if her blood sugar drops below the safe level she will have to wait 45 minutes for it to return to normal before driving.

She said: "It might seem a bit of a nuisance but the trouble is low blood sugar really affects your brain and the way you react so it's for safety.

"It's quite good that this is all highlighted and people are made aware of it."

Changes 'not needed'

More than 200 people have signed a petition calling for the changes to be reversed.

It was started by Alan Lloyd who said he is a professional van and lorry driver with "vision in only one eye".

Under the new rules, people with vision in one eye cannot hold a Group Two licence.

Mr Lloyd said: "These changes will have a massively negative effect on my livelihood and my family’s lives both now and in the future."

He said the changes "are not needed" and "will affect the livelihoods of a lot of professional drivers".

Mr Jehan said anyone who ends up out of work because of the changes can access government support.

He said: "Clearly anybody that's affected particularly for their profession is a concern, but my main concern is about road safety for everybody.

"There will be some people who gain, and sadly there will be some people who are impacted."