Guidance on lorry driver CPC

THE Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for lorry drivers will be introduced in 2009 and will mean that existing heavy goods vehicle licence holders will need to complete a minimum of 35h of periodic training during a five-year period, updating skills in the areas of legal compliance, energy conservation, record-keeping, road traffic care and driving skills.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) will be providing a comprehensive programme of support and assistance to allow its members to meet their statutory obligations and to provide the necessary training for drivers.

In respect of the driver CPC, this year’s FTA Transport Manager seminars will provide guidance on: what to do and when to do it; exemptions; responsibilities of drivers and employers; recording of training; good-practice for checks on new drivers; dealing with agency drivers; identifying the courses which will give the greatest benefits; how to get internal training courses approved; and enforcement and penalties.

Other subjects on the agenda will include: reducing your carbon footprint; workplace transport safety; the safety and security of loads; delivery access issues; the management of shifts – how to avoid driver fatigue; and engine technology.

The FTA’s 2007 Transport Manager seminars run from September through to December at the following locations: Cwmbran (27 Sept); Warrington (3 Oct); Birmingham (9 Oct); Belfast (17 Oct); Cambridge (24 Oct); Durham (31 Oct); Yeovil (8 Nov); Dunblane (14 Nov); Sheffield (21 Nov); Bradford (29 Nov); and Heathrow (6 Dec).

For further information or bookings call the FTA Member Service Centre on tel: (08717) 112222.