Doctor denies driving licence medical 'scam'

Court told taxi and HGV drivers examined 'in back of Transit van'

- By JASON EVANS & JONATHAN BLACKBURN

A MERSEYSIDE doctor is one of six people on trial accused of being involved in a business that submitted false medical forms for people seeking bus, taxi and lorry licences.

The signature of Dr Ronald James, 52, from Birkenhead, is alleged to have come pre-stamped on medical forms required by the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency for commercial driving licence applications, alongside his General Medical Council registration number.

James, of Childwall Green, is one of six defendants alleged to have "put profit before safety" through their work at Doctors on Wheels Ltd, which provided medical examinations to those wanting to renew commercial driving licences.

Swansea Crown Court heard many of the "so-called medicals" were conducted in the back of a van with some lasting just a matter of minutes.

It is alleged the medicals were not conducted by UK-qualified medics, despite being stamped with real doctors' signatures.

James stands trial alongside co-defendants Andrew Eburne, Ana-Maria Cazacu, Cristian Geru, Ruth Platts, and Adrian Mosescu.

All deny being involved in the carrying on of a fraudulent business practice.

Lee Reynolds, prosecuting, told the jury the case revolved around forms known as D4s, which drivers applying to the DVLA for lorry, taxi or bus licences were required to submit. He said the forms confirmed the applicant had undergone an appropriate medical examination and eye test, and must be completed by a doctor.

The prosecutor said the need for applicants to be fit to drive commercial vehicles is obvious, adding: "This is a very serious matter. It is a matter of public safety".