Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to help support disabled drivers in the haulage industry.

Drivers who may have a disability can drive an HGV so long as they meet the medical standard required. There are more stringent medical and eyesight standards for driving larger vehicles due to the size and weight of the vehicle and the length of time a professional driver typically spends at the wheel.

The Government provides annual grant funding to the Mobility Centres of England, who conduct driving assessments for older/disabled people. Two of these Mobility Centres, in Carshalton and Birmingham, offer driving assessments for older/disabled HGV and PSV drivers.

The Government and industry is investing up to £100 million to improve roadside facilities and rest areas via the ‘HGV parking and welfare grant scheme’ and National Highways funding to improve roadside facilities. This funding can be used for upgrading and improving facilities for disabled drivers.