Norfolk County Council voted against a motion that would have pushed the government to speed up processing of medical driving licences and launched a review of transport support for disabled Norfolk residents.

The motion, proposed by Cllr Mike Smith-Clare and seconded by Cllr Chrissie Rumsby, highlighted that the DVLA's 90-day target for processing medical licence applications is frequently missed. Paper-based medical cases — unlike standard online applications — often face delays of many months, leaving drivers unable to legally get behind the wheel.

More than 300,000 UK drivers were affected by these backlogs in 2024. The motion also noted that the same delays can hold up Blue Badge applications, compounding mobility problems for people with disabilities.

The motion asked the council leader or cabinet member to write to the government urging faster action. It also called on the incoming administration — following May's county elections — to review transport provision for disabled people, and recommended that the Infrastructure and Development Committee examine the processes disabled people must navigate to access driving and travel support.

Three councillors declared non-pecuniary interests before the debate: Cllr Smith-Clare and Cllr Brian Long both hold medical driving licences, while Cllr Shelagh Gurney holds a Blue Badge.

The motion was defeated by 30 votes to 19, with four abstentions.