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Logistics UK welcomes consultation on restoring ‘grandfather rights’
Logistics UK has welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the government’s announcement last Friday (5 August 2022) of a call for evidence on potential changes to the driver licensing regime.
The changes being consulted on include the restoration of the restoration of the C1 entitlement to holders of a Category B driving licence, which would allow holders of normal car licences to drive vehicle combinations up to 8.25 tonnes in weight and minibuses – entitlements which were removed in 1997.
The government has billed the consultation as an opportunity to remove red tape post-Brexit as part of its efforts to tackle the ongoing driver shortage.
“Members have reported particular difficulties in recruiting drivers for vehicles up to 7.5t since the requirement for an additional test came into force in 1997,” said Chris Yarsley, Road Freight Regulation Policy Manager, Logistics UK, “The safety of all road users must remain a top priority and Logistics UK will engage with this call for evidence to ensure there is no increased risk to road safety.”
The proposal to permit a Category C licence holder (held for two years) to drive public service vehicles (PSVs) for maintenance and repair will ease pressures on operators, Logistics UK has said. The business group will also review proposals that seek to improve standards in training by creating a formal register of instructors and publishing pass rates.
“Initiatives that increase road safety are welcome, however must not place additional burden on industry,” Yarsley said.
Ahead of this call for evidence, Logistics UK highlighted to government that the zero-tailpipe emission fleet will be heavier than petrol and diesel vehicles, meaning weight thresholds – which are a quarter of a century old – will need to be reviewed to maintain fleet efficiency.
Yarsley said: “Logistics UK will continue to communicate with government on this and will include it within its response.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/road
Published On: 11/08/2022 16:00:02
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