Motorists have been urged to contact the DVLA to assess their fitness to drive as new data shows a huge rise in complaints over unsafe drivers on the roads.
A new Freedom of Information request has revealed a sharp increase in complaints to the DVLA over concerns of someone’s ability to drive.
48,754 reports were made in 2022 about concern over a driver’s fitness to get behind the wheel, which is up 82% from the previous year.
Gary Digva, founder of road safety campaigners Road Angel, is urging drivers to take the necessary medical checks to ensure they are fit to drive.
He said: “Although older drivers are more likely to have to give up driving due to medical reasons and slower reaction times, all motorists, whatever their age, need to inform the DVLA of anything that could impact their ability to drive safely.
“Under current regulation, motorists must inform the DVLA of any medical conditions which may affect their ability to drive safely, such as heart conditions, sleep apnoea, epilepsy and diabetes.
“If your medical condition makes you unfit to drive, the DVLA may tell you to surrender your licence to keep yourself and other road users safe.
“It is your own responsibility, not the GP or consultant, to inform the DVLA of such medical conditions, and any medication which may affect your driving ability.
“Drivers also must be able to meet the correct eyesight requirements - being able to clearly read a number plate 20 metres away, in good daylight, with the aid of glasses if need be.
“If you have bad eyesight, you should make regular trips to the opticians to check if your eyesight makes you safe to drive.
“Whether you’ve been driving for most of your life, or have just passed your test, failing to inform the DVLA about any medical conditions or eyesight problems could see you fined up to £1000, as well as losing your licence and causing serious incidents on the roads.”
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