Transport associations welcome DCPC exemptions consultation21 June 2013

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Road Haulage Association (RHA) have welcomed the Driving Standards Agency's (DSA) consultation on exempting technicians taking vehicles to test from the Driver CPC.

The two organisations had raised concerns at advice issued by the DfT (Department for Transport) in May, when they wrote to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Stephen Hammond.

DfT had advised that garage technicians and mechanics driving heavy vehicles to statutory annual tests would be considered in-scope of the Driver CPC Directive.

FTA and RHA made the point that, according to industry estimates, there are more than 30,000 technicians in the UK. While a few companies have included their technicians in DCPC training, they said, the vast majority have not – and doing would be expensive and offer little benefit.

"We're really pleased that government has listened to our case and has acted so quickly to try to provide a solution," says FTA's chief executive, Theo de Pencier. "We will be offering all the support we can to ensure that this issue can be resolved fully in advance of the deadline for DCPC."

And Geoff Dunning, chief executive of the RHA adds: "In our view, the intention of the EU Legislation has always been that it applies to drivers who are directly and substantially involved in the delivery of goods. That was reinforced by specific exemptions for some categories of drivers.

"Applying the legislation where it was clearly not intended would make no sense and we are delighted that the minister has accepted our arguments."

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Freight Transport Association Ltd

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