Minister Mallon welcomes BMA partnership working on driving licences

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has praised the BMA for their commitment and support in helping to ensure that key workers requiring medical assessments can have their driving licences renewed, allowing them to get to work for their duties in the fightback against Covid-19.

Speaking following a call today with BMA NI GP Chair Dr Stout, Minister Mallon said: 

“I am delighted today to announce that the DVA in partnership with the British Medical Association are working to ensure key worker driving licences are renewed as quickly as possible, when a GP assessment is required. As the public will be aware, due to Covid-19 a number of Driver and Vehicle Agency services had to be either suspended or restricted, but my team is working tirelessly to find solutions and a way forward.

“I am indebted to the BMA and the GPs they represent for agreeing to support and prioritise the processing of medical forms for those key workers who need them to renew their licences. Medicals are essential to ensure road safety for both the driver and other road users. I also appreciate that for some, further specialist assessments may be needed to renew licences.  With the strain on the medical profession during this crisis, getting access to this specialist assessment is proving difficult for many drivers and my Department is working hard to find ways of addressing that.  

“At this time of great challenge, our health workers are the backbone of the fight against Covid-19. GPs are on the frontline giving us the care we need and they are supporting us in ensuring that our key workers are able to get to and from work using their own vehicles. Many of these key workers may be doctors and nurses, ambulance staff or those driving lorries to secure the delivery of food, goods and medical supplies. This is further evidence of how partnership working is key to ensuring we get through this crisis together.”

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.
2. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

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