Training revamp will hit cowboys'
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• Draft regulations for the introduction of minimum-weight test vehicles will be laid before Parliament within the next two months — and they could stamp out "cowboy" HGV training operators, according to Peter Richards, human resources manager of Peter Lane Transport.
The draft regulations, part of the EC Directive on Driving Licences, are scheduled to come into force on 1 April 1991.
The HGV Class I, 11 and III test vehicle categories will be replaced with two classifications: Category C requires a vehicle with a permissible maximum weight of 11 tonnes and capable of 80kmih (50mph); Category C+ E test vehicles must have a permissible maximum weight of at least 21 tonnes and an 80km/h capability.
The current regulations govern the number of axles (twoaxle for Class III; more than two axles for Class II and articulated for Class I) but do not specify length or weight.
Richards believes the new regulations will raise standards: "People will not be able to undercut the RTITB-approved training schools by using the bare minimum of equipment."