INT grants mechanics
Page 4
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
river CPC exemption
CM COVER STORY By Christopher Walton
ABOUT 76,000 mechanics who deliver or take LGVs for annual tests will be exempt from obtaining a Driver CPC after the government bowed to industry pressure and closed a legal loophole.
Shunter drivers moving laden vehicles or trailers on public roads, however, are not exempt from obtaining the Driver CPC following a consultation held by the Department for Transport (DfT) in June. They are only exempt if shunting on private land.
However, it does include staff at rental and leasing companies collecting and delivering vehicles. A concerted campaign, lead by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Freight Transport
Association (FTA), saw the DfT specifically exclude mechanics who are delivering vehicles for repair. From autumn onwards, the exemption will apply to the driver — as long as no goods are being carried; the vehicle isn't being used for hire or reward; driving isn't their main job; the vehicle remains within 50km of base; or the driver is taking a vehicle to an
annual test at a Vosa or authorised testing facility.
The DfT received 141 responses from the industry; including traffic commissioners, drivertraining providers, vehicle dealers and hauliers, with only five parties opposing the proposal. Transport minister Stephen Hammond said it was making the change because "making the training compulsory for those who only
drive LGVs over short distances, because they are delivering them for repair or testing is costly and time-consuming".
However, the DfT has cautioned there will be no further exemption to holding a Driver CPC as it would "defeat the purpose" of the qualification.
As part of the consultation, the RHA and FTA wrote a letter to the DfT explaining that the Driver CPC legislation was being applied where it was not intended. RHA policy director Jack Semple said the exemption was a "welcome intervention" that would be "universally accepted", while James Firth, head of FTA road freight and enforcement policy, said it was a "common-sense" decision.