Mandatory eco-driving plan gets mixed industry reaction
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justin.stantontarbi.co.uk THE DEPARTMENT for Transport's (DfT) proposal that economical driving training should be a mandatory part of the Driver CPC (CM 11 March) is drawing mixed reactions from the industry.
In its consultation on raising the uptake of eco-driving, the DIT estimates a cost to operators of £26m from 2011 to 2014.
However, it values the benefit to operators at £755m of fuel savings. Thus, the net benefit over that four-year period is £729m, the DIT claims.
However. the Road Haulage Association (RHA) is unconvinced by the maths and the posal; policy director Jack Irtple says: "It's not a good idea. The industry doesn't need more 1, gulation. [The proposal will not ne welcomed by the industry" The consultation offers three scenarios: no change; maintain the current rules, but increase promotion of the benefits of eco driving;and the move to mandatory (the D1T's preferred option). Semple says the RHA prefers a version of the second option.
However. Skills for Logistics chief executive Dr Mick Jackson supports the proposal: "When drivers undertake Safed training. you get really good provable results. But the benefits do wear off after time, so if eco-driving is incorporated into the Driver CPC. lit should] be made mandatory to undergo it once a year (rather than once every five years), then you can stop the driver slipping back to their old habits."
'Elie INT thinks the CPC training elements should comprise: • how to improve aerodynamic performance; • how to drive at efficient speeds; • fuel efficiency and choice of gear; • best practice for acceleration and braking: • anticipation of traffic and driving conditions.
The deadline for responses to the consultation is 30 June.