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Policy Campaign Spotlight – March 2021
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BUDGET
Logistics UK was pleased about the many measures included in the Budget that will provide a strong foundation for economic recovery, including a freeze in Fuel Duty which we had asked for in our submission prior to the announcement. However, Logistics UK will continue pressing the need for greater government investment in training programmes, to help fill the growing vacancies at a time when the industry is suffering significant skills gaps and the loss of EU workers, as well as a more flexible approach to apprenticeships to assist the sector in recruiting the next generation of logistics employees. We also welcomed the government's commitment to a Freeport programme, with the confirmation of eight successful Freeport bids; Logistics UK is confident these will support business and industry in these locations and is urging the government to consider expanding the programme further.
LONDON DIRECT VISION STANDARD
Ahead of the start of enforcement of the Direct Vision Standard on 1 March, Logistics UK had been engaging with Transport for London (TfL) on the final details of the scheme and permit process. One particular challenge for members was getting the Safe System equipment (cameras, sensors and alarms) fitted to their zero-star rated vehicles in time, mainly due to COVID-pressures on workshop facilities and staff. Following calls from Logistics UK, TfL offered a 90-day grace period for operators who, ahead of 1 March, provided evidence of bookings for the Safe System fitment. We are continuing to seek clarity on the enforcement process and permit applications for newly registered vehicles.
DVSA TESTING PLANS
Logistics UK has been in discussions with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) about its recovery plan as the country comes out of lockdown. Driver training will be able to recommence as soon as the country first moves out of lockdown restrictions; this is currently expected to be on 12 April in England according to the government’s roadmap, but will be confirmed at a Government Review on 5 April. Driver testing would then commence 10 days later (Thursday 22 April). In February, Logistics UK's CEO wrote to Baroness Vere asking for any plan to include rapid testing of examiners and candidates, as well as wider use of delegated testing, and the Baroness responded stating she had asked DVSA to be “as ambitious as possible” with its planning and suggested this may include widening the use for delegated examiners, as well as using overtime and focussing all available vocational testing resources on that sector.
*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns
Published On: 11/03/2021 17:00:21
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