Number plate debate gives way to diabetes

The Department for Transport has put drivers' vision proposals on the backburner to focus on driving regulations for diabetics instead.

A debate at Westminster last week confirmed government plans to reduce the number plate testing distance will not be revisited until the House of Commons returns from recess in October.

Parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport Mike Penning said diabetes would lead the agenda before then because the other two parts of the proposals on medical requirements for drivers - on eyesight and on epilepsy - were more complicated.

The Optical Confederation said it would meet Penning to discuss visual requirements and raise concerns about the delay in the government's response to a DVLA consultation on the matter.