Euro MP calls for 10-year HGV licences
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• All HGV drivers will have to retake driving tests every five or 10 years if the European Parliament has its way. This proposal, which industry chiefs believe would have "enormous" financial consequences for drivers, has been aired by Labour MEP Mark Watts of the European Parliament Transport Committee.
In an attempt to reduce deaths on European roads 40% by 2000, Warts is keen to see all dri
vers retake and pass driving tests every five or 10 years. "CV drivers may argue that they have enough checks at the moment," says Watts. "However, we know there are bad HGV drivers out there."
Ron Wyld, managing director of Aldridge-based Westgate Training, believes experienced drivers could pay enormous sums to pass retests. "Drivers get into bad habits on the roads," he says. "These habits do not pose dangers but may mean drivers do not pass retests."
Wyld sees no need for retests. He says there is a vast difference between haulage drivers and car drivers. "Drivers who drive over 7.5 tonnes are already experienced car drivers. Most accidents are caused by new drivers."
The Department of Transport says: "The focus is on new and inexperienced drivers. There is no intention to introduce legislation into retesting."