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P LETTER OF THE WEEK
Page 17
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Driver CPC is just window dressing for people who don't have a clue
The debate on the merits of the Driver CPC will run for some time, but are our HGV drivers generally well trained, and is length of experience really sufficient to assume someone is competent, as some seem to suggest?
I've been in the industry since 1965. starting as a driver and working my way through the mill. I now deliver training to drivers. Yes, some of these drivers do fit into the 'experienced' category, and I have to say, the standard of basic knowledge often found among these 'experienced' individuals is frighteningly low. This ill-considered piece of legislation is just another example of government window dressing in an attempt to pacify those who know no better.
As a driver of an HGV, all I would have to do is turn up for 35 hours training in a given five-year period. 1 will not have to pass any form of test or examination at the end of it, but I can then tell the world and his wife that I am suitably trained to drive an HGV I can then look forward to being treated with the greatest respect by all those with whom I come into daily contact, such as traffic wardens, traffic office staff, warehouse and reception people, Vosa inspectors, customs officials; the list of jobsworths is without limit.
Once my day comes to a close, I can also look forward to a warm, well-cooked meal, a shower and relaxation in one of the many strategically placed overnight secure stopping places, and I get the princely sum of £21 to cover my costs and provide an incentive. I can perform my job safe in the knowledge my boss can track my every move and ring me several times an hour to check on progress and that they know about traffic congestion, road closures weight restrictions, weather conditions, no overtaking lanes, waiting times to get tipped, roadside checks etc. But Twill get well rewarded for my efforts... if I'm lucky, I'll be paid almost as much as one of the people sitting at the check-out in A 'I wilt not have to pass any form of test..: my local supermarket.
Until the government is forced into offering long-term strategies for the industry, including providing meaningful training for young entrants and a valued job to look forward to, we deserve what we have. And what's more, if we think there's a shortage of experienced drivers now, just wait until 2014 when a lot of the ageing haulage workforce will be retiring. 4,1 c..7
David Beaumont Transport manager Myers Group