TV personality Christopher Biggins has spoken of his sadness and anger at the DVLA after he was told his licence would not be renewed.
The 76-year-old entertainer, who is renowned for his pantomime performances, lost his driving licence following an unsuccessful vision assessment.
“I’m absolutely infuriated with their ‘computer says no’ attitude,” Biggins said, expressing his frustration with the transport authority’s decision.
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The veteran performer underwent the eye examination at an optician’s premises in Stratford, east London, after the DVLA requested the test when his licence came up for renewal earlier this year.
Just over a week after the assessment, he received correspondence from the DVLA informing him that he had not passed and would not have his licence reinstated.
Determined to challenge this outcome, the I’m A Celebrity winner sought additional medical opinions, Mail Online reported.
A physician at Homerton Hospital in east London conducted a thorough ocular examination and found no issues with his vision. He also successfully completed another vision test at a different optician’s practice.
Both medical professionals provided written documentation supporting his ability to drive safely.
Despite submitting these supporting documents to the DVLA, the agency maintained its position, stating: “Unfortunately, the information you have supplied does not show that you are able to meet the required medical standards for driving.”
The actor strongly condemned Labour’s proposal requiring drivers aged over 70 to undergo vision assessments every three years, describing the policy as “disgraceful”.
“Thousands could end up losing their licence unfairly,” he warned, drawing from his own experience with the system.
Mr Biggins maintains that his eyesight remains unchanged and questions the logic behind dismissing medical evidence. “How can they disregard a hospital doctor and another optician?” he asked.
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The situation has created significant practical difficulties for the actor, who relies on his vehicle for regular journeys. “I travel a lot and I need to drive. Not long distance, for that I take the train,” he explained.
“It is costing me a fortune in taxis,” the entertainer revealed, highlighting the expense of alternative transport arrangements.
The DVLA emphasised that vision standards apply universally to all motorists, stating: “If someone does not meet the required standards, they cannot be allowed on the road.”
Biggins described the entire experience as “very unfair” and said it had left him feeling “very depressed”.
A spokesperson for the DVLA added: “Whether a driver meets the eyesight standards can be tested through various means, including visual field and acuity, depending on the circumstances.
“These standards apply to all drivers and, if someone does not meet the required standards they cannot be allowed on the road.”
It comes as Labour plans to unveil new rules as part of the road safety strategy to crack down on potentially dangerous motorists.
Alongside the proposed vision tests, the Government is expected to crack down on drink-driving and impose tougher penalties for motorists and passengers who do not wear their seatbelts.