Dangerous Goods & transport training and consultancy. RoadSafe Europe

Posted on: Aug 12 2020

Changes to EU driving rules from 20 August 2020

EU drivers’ hours and tachograph rules will change on 20th August.

The new rules will include:

a requirement for drivers’ to ‘return home’ every 4 weeks
a ban on taking regular weekly rest periods in the driver’s vehicle
a new definition of ‘non-commercial carriage’
more flexibility on the scheduling of the rest periods for some drivers on international carriage of goods
new provisions for rests and breaks for drivers when journeys involve transport by ferry or by rail
a new requirement to keep a full record of all other work.

Operators and drivers should review the changes to the EU driving rules and prepare to follow them.

Posted on: Jul 29 2020

Changes to Driver CPC announced

DVSA have recently updated Gov.uk to reflect some recent changes to regulations based on the review/consultation about amendments to Driver CPC.

In summary, courses can now delivered split across two consecutive days in two blocks of three and a half hours.

Drivers should complete 7 hours of training a year and aim to cover a range of subjects. They should not repeat the same course unless there is a specific need. If DVSA believe a training provider has knowingly allowed a driver to repeat courses, they may revoke the driver’s periodic training hours, or their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DQC) card. DVSA may also take action against the training company for knowingly delivering repeat training.

Providers can also consider including eLearning in courses (i.e. using electronic devices). It is permissible to deliver a maximum of 2 hours e-learning per 7-hour course for drivers to complete prior to attending the classroom or during the classroom sessions. The content can be incorporated into a course.

Drivers can now also undergo training based on other transport-related EU Directives that does not hold specific approval as a Driver CPC course. DVSA will allow up to 14 hours of this training to be recognised for Driver CPC. This may include training on the transport of dangerous goods (ADR training taken under Directive 2008/68/EC) and other training to be confirmed.

Posted on: Mar 30 2020

Covid-19

We are still open, though working from home, and can still be contacted on the same telephone numbers and emails.

Unfortunately we have had to cancel all planned courses for the next couple on months at least - sorry.

Posted on: Sep 12 2019

Driver CPC and Brexit, Part 2

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has released guidance on Driver CPC requirements post Brexit. A Driver CPC will still be required to drive professionally in the UK after Brexit – including if we leave in a no-deal scenario.

The UK will still recognise Driver CPC qualifications from EU countries after Brexit, but, if there is a no-deal Brexit, the EU will NOT recognise UK Driver CPC qualifications for:

UK drivers working for UK companies from 1 January 2021.
UK drivers working for EU companies from 31 January 2020.

If you work for an EU company or want to work for one, exchange your UK Driver CPC for an EU Driver CPC, as this will ensure you can still work for EU and UK companies if there is a no-deal Brexit.

Posted on: Aug 12 2018

Driver CPC after Brexit

We've been asked many times if Driver CPC will still be around after we leave the EU. Below is the simple answer - Yes.

https://www.gov.uk/eu-withdrawal-act-2018-statutory-instruments/the-vehicle-drivers-certificates-of-professional-competence-amendment-eu-exit-regulations-2018

Posted on: Mar 06 2018

Driver CPC uptake still slow

Only 24% of drivers have completed the full 35 hours CPC training required of them by September 2019, with nearly half (49%) still at least 14 hours short.

The research of commercial drivers and operators unveiled that over 52% of the respondents welcome training as they feel it helps them to be a better driver, and over half would like to see new industry courses introduced. And, despite the poor reputation the classroom based training, this is still the preferred way of delivering training.

Posted on: Feb 04 2018

New DVSA enforcement powers

As of 1st February 2018, the DVSA can issue fixed penalties for offences, including breaches to the weekly rest rules and hours offences, that took place in the previous 28 days.

Both UK and foreign HGV drivers could face these penalties, and they cover offences committed in the UK and abroad.

The DVSA can now issue on-the-spot fines of £300 for up to five drivers’ hours offences in the previous 28 day period, meaning that any one driver could face a total fine of £1,500 for historical offences.

Non-UK drivers must pay their fine before continuing their journey and will have their vehicle immobilised until they pay.

The DVSA will also issue a £300 fine to drivers who spend their weekly rest in their cab in areas such as a lay-by or residential area.

These penalties will not be actively enforced until March to allow time for a full 28 day liable period to build up.

Posted on: Oct 05 2017

Eurotunnel

Transporting Dangerous Goods via the Channel Tunnel? View the 2019 list of allowed and prohibited goods by following this link:

https://www.eurotunnelfreight.com/uploadedfiles/xnt/adr_2019_uk.pdf

Posted on: Feb 10 2017

Changes to Driver CPC

The new European Commission’s Driver CPC Directive could restrict drivers attending the same course more than once during the five-year period and, “At least one of the seven hour periods shall cover a road safety related subject”.

Unfortunately, as a result, ADR training as part of the Driver CPC may be limited to just seven hours, as “the seven hour periods shall cover different subjects”, rather than the current 21hrs.

The proposals can be viewed here: https://dl.orangedox.com/Proposal

Posted on: Feb 01 2017

ADR Instructions in Writing

The 2017-2019 version of the ADR Instructions in Writing can be downloaded by clicking HERE