If UK employers do not insist that their truck drivers undertake Driver Certificate of Professional Competence Training in the near future, the country will face a potential freight and transportation crisis when new European Union legislation comes into force.
According to provider 24-7 Training, a shortage of trainers exists already, which means that, unless they start soon, drivers will struggle to complete the 35 hours of training mandated as part of the Driver CPC scheme. Figures currently being quoted suggest that only around 64% of freight drivers are likely to have done the necessary training by the time that the new regulations become mandatory in 2014.
24-7 Training’s managing director, Stuart Moss, warned: "September 2014 may seem a long way off, but Britain’s freight drivers are in for a big shock unless they start their training soon. The transportation sector could face a crisis, as latecomers will create a surge in demand that can’t possibly be met."
A shortage of trainers meant there was a real danger that standards would suffer and the cost of quality courses would rise, he added.
It is estimated that the Driver CPC scheme will effect almost 800,000 professional drivers, around half of whom drive freight trucks, and that over 5.5 million training hours will be required annually for Large Goods Vehicle drivers alone. DCPCs are now a legal requirement for most professional bus, coach and lorry drivers across the European Union who hold an EU or European Economic Area driving licence (regardless of their nationality).
The Driver CPC is targeted at LGV and Passenger Carrying Vehicle drivers who drive professionally throughout the UK. It is a requirement of EU Directive 2003/59, which is intended to improve the knowledge and skills of professional LGV and PCV drivers during their working life.
It becomes mandatory in the UK for PCV drivers in September 2013 and for LGV drivers in September 2014 and applies to both new and existing professional drivers who must undertake 35 hours of training every 5 years.
