Expert claims DVLA driving licence penalties are ’too low’ and ‘not a deterrent’
An expert has blasted current DVLA fines for not reporting medical conditions as too lenient with current fees not
DVLA fines for breaking key driving licence rules are “too low” and not “enough of a deterrent”, according to a road safety expert.
John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director of National Accident Helpline said it was “questionable” if the current penalty for those failing to report medical conditions was strict enough.
Dozens of conditions must be reported to the DVLA from diabetes and epilepsy to heart conditions, strokes and glaucoma.
GOV.UK has confirmed motorists can currently be fined up to £1,000 for hiding a medical condition which may affect motorists "ability to drive safely”
Officials stress that road users could also be “prosecuted” in the event of a car accident.
However, John suggests punishments could be higher to force people to be honest instead of chancing their luck.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, John said: “While a fine of up to £1000 is currently in place for those who fail to report their medical conditions to the DVLA, it’s questionable whether that fine is enough of a deterrent.
“When those who are both unfit to drive and aware that they should not be behind the wheel do cause road accidents resulting in injuries, or worse death, this fine seems too low.”
The remarks come after recent data shows that a staggering 650,000 driving licences have been revoked on medical grounds over the past 10 years.
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However, more concerningly the DVLA data analysed by LeaseLoco revealed the number of licences taken was slowly increasing.
Just 48,941 lost their licence in 2014, slowly rising to 73,022 who had their photocards taken away in 2019.
Numbers dropped during the coronavirus pandemic but jumped from 65,692 in 2022 to 68,088 last year.
John has urged road users to “stay on top of their health” and speak to medical professionals if they have any concerns before setting off on journeys.
John added: “However, it’s often, that people are driving in an unfit state, unaware of any undiagnosed medical conditions, and cause life-changing accidents because symptoms materialise when behind the wheel, such as epileptic fits or an undetected heart condition.
“These instances highlight the importance of drivers staying on top of their health and get clear advice from their doctors on whether they should be driving or not.”
