CLARITY: BVRLA speak out on Driver CPC
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) are urging the government to officially relax Driver CPC requirements for rental and leasing staff.
Department for Transport are consulting with the industry on widening the scope of Driver CPC exemptions.
However, despite the putting forward proposals for some exemptions for the rental and leasing sector, there has been no firm statement.
The BVRLA insist that with just a few weeks to go until the Driver CPC regime is introduced, they and their members need clarity.
They have called on the Department for Transport to relax rules to benefit employees driving minibuses or commercial vehicles.
Under suggestions, those driving vehicles between branches, collecting or delivering them or taking them to roadworthiness tests, will not have to hold a Driver CPC.
The exemptions proposed would cover drivers travelling within 50kilometres of their base without passengers or goods, not operating for hire and reward, and driving as an incidental part of their job.
However, the BVRLA have asked the Department to increase the distance restriction to give firms greater flexibility.
If the Transport Minister were to approve exemptions, it is unlikely the required changes will be made before Driver CPC becomes mandatory for minibus drivers in September.
The BVRLA have sought assurances that enforcement action will not be taken against rental and leasing company employees who have not completed the required training.
So far, the Department for Transport have only assured the Association that any enforcement would be ‘targeted and proportionate’ and would take proposed exemptions ‘into account’.
Gerry Keaney, Chief Executive of the BVRLA, said: “We understand that the Department is doing it all can to fast-track the changes, but with only weeks before the legislation comes into force, its paramount that the Department clears up this uncertainty.
“Approving the changes would be a victory for common sense and would ensure that the rental industry in particular can continue to provide consumers and businesses with cost-effective, convenient access to minibuses and commercial vehicles up and down the country.”
