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Driver Hire Darlington business development manager David Symington with CPC trainer Darren Hume, and drivers undertaking their CPC training.
‘ We’ re entering critical era’ warns driver training company
A Newton Aycliffe-based company is warning there could be a shortage of HGV drivers due to strict new government legislation that’ s come into force.
Driver Hire Darlington, a franchise of the national firm, say the transport and logistics sectors are approaching a“ watershed moment” as some drivers refuse to take the tests.
Many people are unaware of significant changes that are already under way after new Certificate of Professional Competence( CPC) legislation was implemented in September 2009 across Europe and the UK.
The new rules means drivers of lorries over 3.5 tonnes have to sit 35 hours of classroom study, covering various aspects of their working environment, by September 2014.
Consequences for companies and drivers caught operating after the deadline without their DCPC in place will see fines of £ 1,000 and licences suspended.
And Driver Hire Darlington, based in Carlton House at The HUB, reckons the industry will see a critical shortage of drivers in the coming years.
David Symington, business development manager for Driver Hire Darlington, warned:“ As with many new pieces of legislation, some people have chosen to ignore this thinking it will disappear or be scrapped this is not the case.
“ People within the industry feel that the September 2014 deadline will be a watershed moment within the transport and logistics industry, with many older drivers making the decision to retire from driving duties rather than doing the 35-hour training.
“ With the lack of new drivers coming into the industry and with more online retail businesses needing to move product, this could prove to be a critical few years for our sector.
“ At Driver Hire Darlington we are starting to see a lot more interest from companies and drivers with regards to the Driver CPC training that we offer.
“ We have been working with many companies in the area over the last year, planning their training, making sure that their drivers and their business will benefit from the 11 modules that we offer.
“ The feedback we have received from the drivers has been excellent, this is down to our trainers.
“ My advice to any driver or company is with less than 18 months to go there are concerns that there will be a shortage of trainers and, as always, when there are supply-and-demand issues, prices may increase dramatically.”
Driver Hire Darlington is currently training drivers from a number of nearby transport companies as well as independent operators, using experienced CPC trainer Darren Hume.
Tony Cook, a freelance driver, said:“ I liked the course material supplied and it was good to be trained by a fellow driver.
“ I found the process easy, with Driver Hire taking care of all the paperwork and tracking the hours I have already done.”
Any firms or individuals wanting to know more can call David Symington on 01325 314887, or email darlington @ driverhire. co. uk