20/08/2001

New rules to benefit diabetic drivers in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland drivers who suffer from diabetes are to benefit from new legislation introduced by the Department of the Environment.

Changes to legislation means that insulin-treated diabetics will find it easier to receive licenses to drive vans and small lorries as applicants for C1 licences will be assessed individually from Monday August 27.

Before the legislation, drivers with diabetes could only drive vans or lorries between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes in ‘very exceptional circumstances’.

Northern Ireland Environment Minister Sam Foster said the new regulations were more flexible, giving diabetics more driving options on the roads.

The changes to the legislation were passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly’s environment committee in June. (CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
26 August 2008
HGV Drivers Warned As Highjack Reward Offered
News today that a substantial reward has been offered for information about a gang - apparently from Northern Ireland - who carried out a £1m lorry hijacking in the north of England comes on foot of a Government initiative to warn local lorry drivers of the dangers associated with long haul trucking.
29 November 2001
Police take a tough line on drink driving over Christmas
The police will be taking a tough line on drink driving over Christmas and the New Year according to the head of road policing in Northern Ireland. “Bump - And You’re Breathalysed” is the stark warning from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to mark the launch of this year’s Christmas anti-drink driving campaign.
24 September 2015
Novice Drivers Most 'At Risk' On Roads
Novice drivers are the most at risk on Northern Ireland roads, according to statistics released by Department of Environment (DoE) in relation to the NI Road Safety Strategy (NIRSS).
29 May 2012
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers. Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.