To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the mechanisms in place to enforce the removal of individuals from driving who have been deemed medically unfit to drive; and (ii) whether he is minded to enhance enforcement.

Where licence holders inform the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) of medical conditions likely to impair safe driving, the DVA conducts medical investigations to determine whether the person should be permitted to drive. In normal circumstances, the person may continue to drive pending conclusion of these medical investigations, except where they have been advised not to do so by their doctors. Drivers are also warned of the legal consequences of failing to report the onset or deterioration of medical conditions which are likely to affect their ability to drive safely.

Where a person is deemed not to meet the strict standards of medical fitness to drive, the DVA will issue a notice revoking the person’s licence or informing them of the decision to refuse to grant a licence. The notice will inform the person of their right of appeal against the decision and set out the legal requirement for the person to surrender any licence held by them without delay. Where a licence is not surrendered in a timely manner, and without reasonable excuse, the DVA will request the PSNI to seize the licence.

The PSNI has primary responsibility for the enforcement of road traffic offences, including offences relating to driving licences. The PSNI has access to the DVA’s Driver Licensing System, which includes information on whether a person holds a valid licence, has had a licence revoked or has been disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence.