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EU regulations will raise standards
Page 26
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ONCE UPON a time, LGV drivers were the knights of the road.The LGV licence was introduced in 1969 to regulate a previously unregulated industry.
In those days there were many who had to take a test to gain the relevant LGV licence, some of whom had previous experience as litters, and many more that were drivers' mates who had gained valuable experience of LGVs from the many hours spent as a driver's companion.
This experience was a major factor in the quality of drivers produced, and it resulted in a good standard within the industry.
Subsequently the road haulage industry has changed and evolved of its own accord, and unfortunately the quality of drivers it produces is of a lower standard than that previously.
The road haulage industry is its own worst enemy; it has allowed standards to fall for the benefit of profits.This is verified by our company's experience of keeping up to date with the requirements of an industry that bemoans its plight but is reluctant to address the issues involved, The industry is now about to experience vast changes again. It will be for the greater good, although even now the industry is still in denial.
'The new EU regulations to be implemented in 2009 for LGV drivers will vastly improve standards and hopefully will enable drivers to be proud of their professional status once again.
This will have a huge effect on the industry with regard to drivers' salaries, as they will be able to insist on a fair deal as professionals and receive the benefits they justly deserve.
The industry needs radical improvement and it's just about to get it. The benefits are enormous — and the downside is minimal.
Gary Curtis Director Driver Training Centre