Petition protests at medical fees A West Midlands truck driver
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is launching a one-man campaign to reduce the cost of drivers' medical examinations. Arthur Whelan, 44, of Rowley Regis, near Dudley, has started a petition to protest about the fees for mandatory medicals after being quoted a -price of 255.50. He is asking lorry crivers to sign the petition forms he is leaving in service stations and transport cafes. "HGV drivers are required to undergo a medical every five years," he says. "But when I booked mine with my GP I was told it would be 255.50, which is outrageous. Not only am I expected to miss a day's work to have my blood pressure, eyes and heart tested, but I'm being asked for more than a day's pay for the privilege. I believe the fee should be far less for lorry drivers. I Feel strongly about doctors taking advantage like this and when the petition forms have been completed I will present them to my MP for discussion in Parliament. "A colleague of mine had one medical test which lasted just 10 minutes," he adds.