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Skills for life

15th December 2005
Page 36
Page 36, 15th December 2005 — Skills for life
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Will the driver CPC be good for the industry, or is it just more red tape? Pat Hagan asked the CM operators' panel for their predictions.

Driver CPC THE CONCERNS

k.., or some operators putting things off has '. evolved into something of an art form, so don't expect them to start worrying about the implications of legislation that's still almost four years down the line.

But the potential consequences for the industry of EU Directive 2003159 are enormous. This requires that from 10 September 2009 every new driver entering into the industly must hold a Certificate of Professional Competence. Details have vet lobe fleshed outthe consultation period ends in Februarybut it's expected that new recruits will need four hours of theory testing and two hours of practical testing at a cost, according to some estimates, of at least £3,000 per driver.

Existing drivers will be entitled to CPCs under grandfathers' rights, but must renew their certificates every five years by proving that they have undergone the equivalent of about five days' formal training (35 hours) within that period.

The whole initiative is driven by the desire for a skilled workforce and greater road safety. But it raises a range of issues surrounding recruitment and training costs. Some operators believe it's long overdue; others question whether Britain's haulage industry, with its relatively good safety record, needs such heavy-handed legislation.

CM asked members of its operators' panel for their reaction to the plans.

Tags

Organisations: European Union
People: Pat Hagan

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