AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

on't neglect Driver CPC, warns TC Aitken

20th december 2012
Page 4
Page 4, 20th december 2012 — on't neglect Driver CPC, warns TC Aitken
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

By Derren Hayes OPERATORS UNABLE to demonstrate a commitment to Driver CPC training could be at a greater risk of having their 0-licence curtailed or suspended if they are found to be failing at a public inquiry (PI) than those who can, a traffic commissioner (TC) has warned.

Scottish TC Joan Aitken, who is the lead commissioner on Driver CPC, said that TCs will be checking if drivers and operators know about the Driver CPC requirements at PIs and driver conduct hearings.

She said: "Many operators at PIs are volunteering evidence of training of drivers, [as well as] a timetable of training designed to meet the deadline.

"Such evidence can help an operator demonstrate that it takes compliance seriously and is keeping up to date.

"This is likely to be positive evidence that a TC can take into account when balancing for and against a licence continuing."

While the TC said it was too soon to take action against those employing drivers who do not have their CPC qualification — as LGV drivers with grandfather rights have until September 2014 to complete 35 hours of CPC training — she warned training cannot be neglected.

James Firth, the head of road freight and enforcement policy at the Freight Transport Association, said: "TCs requiring undertakings to train drivers isn't something new that's come along with Driver CPC, but it allows them to give clear perspective on what they are expecting from operators.

"The message seems to be if you haven't started, then you need to get on with it."

Two recent legal cases have shown how an operator's approach to Driver CPC can affect their punishment. Last month, Batley-based Birstall Plant and Demolition was told by North East TC Kevin Rooney that it avoided losing its 0-licence by the "finest of margins" because its drivers had already completed CPC training (CM 29 November).

Meanwhile, John Thomas Foster, trading as JD Freight, had his 0-licence for four vehicles and four trailers temporarily suspended until he could prove that all his drivers had undertaken seven hours of Driver CPC training covering driver walk-around checks ( CM 6 December).


comments powered by Disqus