MPs have called for a review of new rules which ban insulin-dependent diabetics from driving minibuses unless they are involved in voluntary work. Since 1991 insulin-dependent diabetics have been unable to hold a licence to drive large trucks and buses, but from January this year the ban has been extended to smaller lorries weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, and vehicles with between nine and 16 seats.

Exceptions can be made, however, for drivers using minibuses for voluntary work for non-profit-making organisations. MPs Adrian Sanders and Colin Pickthall, themselves insulin-dependent diabetics, say the new rules have left many minibus drivers facing the dole queue, despite little evidence that they posed a threat to road safety. The MPs say individual assessment of drivers would be much fairer.