A training company is warning that professional drivers could
lose their licence and their livelihoods if they do not update
their skills.
A new qualification was launched on September 10 which also
requires that all bus, coach and lorry drivers must undertake 35
hours of training by 2014 and then every five yeas period to
continue driving professionally.
The Certificate of Professional Competence has been introduced
across Europe aimed at improving road safety and helping to
maintain high standards of driving.
Now, Ilkeston-based Upskill is reminding drivers to make sure
that they are up to date with their training or risk the
alternative of being taken off the road.
Director Frank Dunne said; "As a company which provides training
and jobs for industry we are concerned that the legislation may
have caught out companies.
"Many organisations may not realise the implications of these
new regulations which have come into force across Europe.
"People may not think it applies to them but this is important
legislation which companies and individuals ignore at their peril -
drivers can lose their licence to operate and therefore their job
if they do not comply, and firms could lose vital employees."
Upskill, based at Wharncliffe Road, is fully approved by the
Driving Standards Agency to deliver appropriate training which is
done in a classroom rather than on the road.
The company understands the long and often unsocial hours that
drivers work and can provide training sessions on Saturdays to
minimise disruption.
Despite the fact that drivers could lose their licence and their
jobs during a recession when finding other work may be difficult
Upskill has not had any calls on its services.
"I find it astonishing that we have not had a single inquiry
despite advertising the training widely," said Frank. "We are
focussed on running cost-effective courses at convenient times to
help drivers keep their licenses and jobs and firms to maintain
their efficiency."
The chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency, Rosemary
Thew, said; "The new Driver CPC qualification has been developed to
raise and maintain the standards of lorry, bus and coach
drivers.
"Lorry driving is a profession with a high level of
responsibility. We are confident that the new qualification will
help to reduce the human and financial costs of road accidents in
the UK."