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Driver CPC changes - minimum course length halved from seven to three and a half hours


Driver CPC changes mean greater flexibility while maintaining road safety, says Logistics UK.

Responding to the amendments to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) which were passed by parliament this week, Logistics UK's Senior Policy Manager - Road Freight Regulation, Chris Yarsley says:

“The revisions to the Driver CPC ensure road safety is maintained while introducing much-needed flexibility into the training regime that will help retain drivers and ease the process for those returning to the industry.

“Our members have never questioned the need for the Driver CPC regime and welcome the reputation which attaining the current standard bestows on their businesses and their drivers.

“The revised DCPC still requires 35 hours of training but now that the minimum course length has been reduced from seven hours down to three and a half hours, it will make scheduling training less burdensome for drivers and operators, while ensuring training material is focused and relevant.

“Reforming the role of e-learning will increase flexibility for operators and the option to retain full trainer-led periodic courses means that those drivers who are not comfortable with e-learning will still have access to face-to-face training.

"Logistics is not a ‘one size fits all’ sector and there are huge advantages to businesses being able to tailor drivers’ training content to suit their business needs.

“Our members will welcome the decision that qualified drivers, with a lapsed DCPC, will be able to access an accelerated pathway to return to driving instead of the previous requirement of completing 35 hours of training.

"It is, however, critical that any form of ‘return to driving’ module is of the same rigorous standard as other DCPC modules to ensure returning drivers are aware of any changes in safety-critical legislation such as drivers’ hours and load security.

“Logistics UK supports the principle of ‘outcome-based learning’ and is ready to work with DfT and DVSA to help encourage training to include some form of summative assessment at the end of the training module.

"However, our members have always been adamant that a periodic ‘pass/fail’ test as an alternative to periodic training is a sure way to exacerbate driver shortages and could see another wave of departures from the sector, which would put the supply chain at risk.”

Published On: 31/10/2024 15:00:00

 

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News In Brief

Mega £1.1 billion West Midlands Interchange gets go ahead

The latest addition to England’s burgeoning Logistics Golden Triangle has cleared a critical hurdle, as objections to a substantial logistics park with dedicated rail freight facilities have been formally dismissed. 

Initial construction is now underway on the 300-hectare site, bringing forward a project that supporters argue is crucial for strengthening supply chain resilience in the region, but which has faced considerable pushback from local communities concerned about its impact on social and environmental factors such as air poluution and congestion.

The West Midlands, often referred to as the heart of the UK’s logistics sector, is strategically positioned to serve as a transit and distribution hub and the new development is projected to create 8,500 jobs.

This new development, located within what’s known as the Golden Triangle — an area linking the M1, M6, and M42 motorways — will provide quick access to approximately 90% of the UK population within a four-hour drive.

This makes the region exceptionally attractive for logistics firms, particularly as e-commerce demand continues to accelerate. The terminal, part of a larger trend towards multimodal freight solutions, will have both expansive warehousing and rail access, facilitating a more efficient, carbon-conscious supply chain.

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