A ROAD safety campaigner and Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris are among those who want to see a change in Government legislation after a fresh study revealed almost 10 per cent of drivers have an undeclared medical condition.

Of the 35.3 million licence holders in England and Wales, an estimated 3.4 million have not disclosed notifiable medical conditions to the DVLA, according to new analysis by Direct Line Car Insurance.

The study has reignited the debate and leading the charge is Rev Brenda Gutberlet, a Methodist church minister, who for ten years has campaigned for a change in UK driving laws after her niece was hit and killed by a practically blind driver.

Natalie Wade, 28, was out shopping for her wedding dress when John Thorpe, 78, drove through a red light and ploughed into her in his Toyota Land Cruiser while she was on a pedestrian crossing.

Natalie, of Hedingham Place, Rochford, died in hospital five days later, on Valentine’s Day 2006.

Rev Gutberlet said: “These figures don’t surprise me.

“It doesn’t get easier when you lose someone in the way our family did, you just find ways to cope.

“Myself and Castle Point’s MP Rebecca Harris are lobbying the Government for a change in the law.

“There are a raft of changes we’re proposing, among them are the proposal for those over 60 to have a medical every five years and an eye test every two, to ensure they are fit to drive.”

Others believe an increase in the £1,000 fine offenders face could act as an additional deterrent.

Tariq Musaji, a Wickford driving instructor said: “Driving is dangerous and people can easily die, the Government needs to make people more aware of these dangers.

“The fine should be increased to £5,000 as a stronger deterrent.”

Basildon taxi driver Ralph Morgan, 73, said: “I think many people avoid declaring because their insurance could go up.

“For instance, because of my age only one company is willing to insure me.

“I believe at the age of 70 people should have to provide a doctor’s note saying they’re fit.”